by Reese Ryan
“Bottom line? I promised your brother I’d treat you like an honorary little sister. That I’d never lay a hand on you.” A knot tightened in his belly. “A promise I’ve obviously broken.”
“Wait, you two just decided, without consulting me? Like I’m a little child and you two are my misfit parents? What kind of caveman behavior is that?”
Ryan winced. Tessa was angry, and he didn’t blame her. “To be fair, we had this conversation when he and I were about fourteen. Long before you enlightened us on the error of our anti-feminist tendencies. Still, it’s a promise I’ve always taken seriously. Especially since, at the time, I did see you as a little sister. Obviously, things have changed since then.”
“When?” Her tone was soft, but demanding. As if she needed to know.
It wasn’t a conversation he wanted to have, but if they were going to have it, she deserved his complete honesty.
“I first started to feel some attraction toward you when you were around sixteen.” He cleared his throat, his eyes steadily on the road. “But when I left for college I realized how deep that attraction ran. I was miserable without you that first semester in college.”
“You seemed to adapt pretty quickly by sleeping your way across campus,” she huffed. She turned toward the window and sighed. “I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry. I...” She didn’t finish her statement.
“Forget it.” Ryan released a long, slow breath. “This is uncharted territory for us. We’ll learn to deal with it. Everything’ll be fine.”
But even as he said the words, he couldn’t convince himself of their truth.
* * *
After Ryan’s revelations, the ride home was awkward and unusually quiet, even as they both tried much too hard to behave as if everything was fine.
Everything most certainly was not fine.
Strained and uncomfortable? Yes. Their forced conversation, feeble smiles and weak laughter were proof they’d both prefer to be anywhere else.
And it confirmed they’d made the right decision by not pursuing a relationship. It would only destroy their friendship in the end once Ryan had tired of her and was ready to move on to someone polished and gorgeous, like his ex.
This was all her fault. She’d kissed Ryan. Tessa clenched her hands in her lap, willing them to stop trembling.
She only hoped their relationship could survive this phase of awkwardness, so things could go back to the way they were.
Tessa’s phone buzzed, and she checked her text messages.
Tripp had sent a message to say that he’d landed a meeting with a prospect that had the potential to become one of their largest customers. His flight to Iowa would leave in a few days, and she would be in charge at the Noble Spur.
She scrolled to the next text and read Bo’s message reminding her that she’d agreed to attend a showing of A Christmas Carol with him at the town’s outdoor, holiday theater.
Tessa gripped her phone and turned it over in her lap, looking over guiltily at Ryan. After what had happened between them this weekend, the thought of going out with someone else turned her stomach, but she’d already promised Bo.
And even though she and Bo were going to a movie together, it could hardly be considered a date. Half the town of Royal would be there.
Would it be so wrong for them to go on a friendly outing to the movies?
Besides, maybe seeing other people was just the thing to alleviate the awkwardness between them and prompt them to forget about the past three days.
Tessa worried her lower lip with her teeth. Deep down, she knew the truth. Things would never be the same between them.
Because she wanted Ryan now more than ever.
No matter how hard she tried, Tessa would never forget their weekend together and how he’d made her feel.
Fifteen
Gus sat in his favorite recliner and put his feet up to watch a little evening television. Reruns of some of his favorite old shows. Only he held the remote in his hand without ever actually turning the television on.
The house was quiet. Too quiet.
Alexis was in Houston on business, and her brother Justin was staying in Dallas overnight with a friend.
Normally, he appreciated the solitude. Enjoyed being able to watch whatever the hell he wanted on television without one of the kids scoffing about him watching an old black-and-white movie or an episode of one of his favorite shows that he’d seen half a dozen times before. But lately, it had been harder to cheerfully bear his solitude.
During the months he and Rose had worked together to split up Daniel and Alexis, he’d found himself enjoying her company. So much so that he preferred it mightily to being alone in this big old house.
Gus put down the remote and paced the floor. He hadn’t seen Rose since the night of the bachelor auction at the Texas Cattleman’s Club. They’d spoken by phone twice, but just to confirm that their plan had worked.
As far as they could tell, Alexis and Daniel were no longer seeing each other. And both of them seemed to be in complete misery.
Gus had done everything he could to try and cheer Alexis up. But the pain in her eyes persisted. As did the evidence that she’d still been crying from time to time.
He’d tried to get his granddaughter to talk about it, but she’d insisted that it wasn’t anything she couldn’t handle. And she said he wouldn’t understand anyway.
That probably hurt the most. Especially since he really did understand how she was feeling. And worse, he and Rose had been the root cause of that pain.
The guilt gnawed at his gut and broke his heart.
Rose had reminded him of why they’d first hatched the plan to break up Daniel and Alexis. Their families had been mortal enemies for decades. Gus and Rose had hated each other so much they were willing to work together in order to prevent their grandchildren from being involved with each other. Only, Gus hadn’t reckoned on coming to enjoy the time he spent with Rose Clayton. And he most surely hadn’t anticipated that he’d find himself getting sweet on her again after all these years.
He was still angry at Rose for how she’d treated him all those years ago, when he’d been so very in love with her. But now he understood that because of her cruel father, holding the welfare of her ill mother over Rose’s head, she’d felt she had no choice but to break it off with him and marry someone Jedediah Clayton had deemed worthy.
He regretted not recognizing the distress Rose was in back then. That her actions had been a cry for help. Signs he and his late wife, Sarah, who had once been Rose’s best friend, had missed.
Gus heaved a sigh and glanced over his shoulder at the television. His reruns could wait.
Gus left the Lone Wolf Ranch and headed over to Rose’s place, The Silver C, one last time to say goodbye. Maybe share a toast to the success of their plan to look out for Alexis and Daniel in the long run, even if the separation was hurting them both now.
The property had once been much vaster than his. But over the years, he’d bought quite a bit of it. Rose had begrudgingly sold it to him in order to pay off the gambling debts of her late husband, Ed.
Rose’s father must be rolling over in his grave because the ranch hand he’d judged unworthy of his daughter was now in possession of much of the precious land the man had sought to keep out of his hands. Gus didn’t normally think ill of the dead. But in Jedediah’s case, he was willing to make an exception.
When Gus arrived at The Silver C, all decked out in its holiday finest, Rose seemed as thrilled to see him as he was to see her.
“Gus, what on earth are you doing here?” A smile lighting her eyes, she pulled the pretty red sweater she was wearing around her more tightly as cold air rushed in from outside.
“After all these months working together, I thought it was only right that we had a proper goodbye.” He held up a bottle of his favorite top-s
helf whiskey.
Rose laughed, a joyful sound he still had fond memories of. “Well, by all means, come on in.”
She stepped aside and let Gus inside. The place smelled of pine from the two fresh Christmas trees Rose had put up. One in the entry hall and another in the formal living room. And there was the unmistakable scent of fresh apple pie.
Rose directed Gus to have a seat on the sofa in the den where she’d been watching television. Then she brought two glasses and two slices of warm apple pie on a little silver tray.
“That homemade pie?” Gus inquired as she set the tray on the table.
“Wouldn’t have it any other way.” She grinned, handing him a slice and a fork. She opened the bottle of whiskey and poured each of them a glass, neat.
She sat beside him and watched him with interest as he took his first bite of pie.
“Hmm, hmm, hmm. Now that’s a little slice of heaven right there.” He grinned.
“I’m glad you like it. And since we’re celebrating our successful plot to save the kids from a disastrous future, pie seems fitting.” She smiled, but it seemed hollow. She took a sip of the whiskey and sighed. “Smooth.”
“That’s one of the reasons I like it so much.” He nodded, shoveling another bite of pie into his mouth and chewing thoughtfully. He surveyed the space and leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Daniel around today?”
“No, he’s gone to Austin to handle some ranch business.” She raised an eyebrow, her head tilted. “Why?”
“No reason in particular.” Gus shrugged, putting down his pie plate and sipping his whiskey. “Just wanted to ask how the boy is doing. He still as miserable as my Alexis?”
Pain and sadness were etched in Rose’s face as she lowered her gaze and nodded. “I’m afraid so. He’s trying not to show how hurt he is, but I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this. He’s already been through so much with his mother.” She sighed, taking another sip of whiskey. Her hands were trembling slightly as she shook her head. “I hope we’ve done the right thing here. I guess I didn’t realize how much they meant to each other.” She sniffled and pulled a tissue out of her pocket, dabbing at her eyes.
Rose forced a laugh. “I’m sorry. You must think me so ridiculous sitting here all teary-eyed over having gotten the very thing we both wanted.”
Gus put down his glass and took Rose’s hand between his. It was delicate and much smaller than his own. Yet, they were the hands of a woman who had worked a ranch her entire life.
“I understand just what you’re feeling.” He stroked her wrist with his thumb. “Been feeling pretty guilty, too. And second-guessing our decision.”
“Oh, Gus, we spent so many years heartbroken and angry. It changed us, and not for the better.” Tears leaked from Rose’s eyes, and her voice broke. “I just hope we haven’t doomed Alexis and Daniel to the same pain and bitterness.”
“It’s going to be okay, Rose.” He took her in his arms and hugged her to his chest. Tucked her head beneath his chin as he swayed slowly and stroked her hair. “We won’t allow that to happen to Alexis and Daniel. I promise.”
“God, I hope you’re right. They deserve so much more than that. Both of them.” She held on to him. One arm wrapped around him and the other was pressed to his chest.
He should be focused on Daniel and Alexis and the dilemma that he and Rose had created. Gus realized that. Yet, an awareness of Rose slowly spread throughout his body. Sparks of electricity danced along his spine.
He rubbed her back and laid a kiss atop her head. All of the feelings he’d once experienced when he’d held Rose in his arms as a wet-behind-the-ears ranch hand came flooding back to him. Overwhelmed his senses, making his heart race in a way he’d forgotten that it could.
After all these years, he still had a thing for Rose Clayton. Still wanted her.
Neither of them had moved or spoken for a while. They just held each other in silence, enjoying each other’s comfort and warmth.
Finally, Rose pulled away a little and tipped her head, her gaze meeting his. She leaned in closer, her mouth hovering just below his, her eyes drifting closed.
Gus closed the space between them, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was soft and sweet. Almost chaste.
He slipped his hands on either side of her face, angling it to give him better access to her mouth. Ran his tongue along her lips that tasted of smooth whiskey and homemade apple pie.
Rose sighed with satisfaction, parting her lips. She clutched at his shirt, pulling him as close as their position on the sofa would allow.
She murmured with pleasure when he slipped his tongue between her lips.
Time seemed to slow as they sat there, their mouths seeking each other’s out in a kiss that grew hotter. Greedier. More intense.
There was a fire in his belly that he hadn’t felt in ages. One that made him want things with Rose he hadn’t wanted in so long.
Gus forced himself to pull away from Rose. He gripped her shoulders, his eyes searching hers for permission.
Rose stood up. She switched off the television with the remote, picked up their two empty whiskey glasses, then walked toward the stairs that led to the upper floor of The Silver C. Looking back at him, she flashed a wicked smile that did things to him.
“Are you coming or not?”
Gus nearly knocked over the silver tray on the table in front of him in his desperation to climb to his feet. He hurried toward her but was halted by her next words.
“Don’t forget the bottle.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Grinning, he snatched it off the table before grabbing her hand and following her up the stairs.
Sixteen
When he heard his name called, Ryan looked up from where Andy, his farrier, was shoeing one of the horses.
It was Tripp.
The muscles in Ryan’s back tensed. He hadn’t talked to Tess or Tripp in the three days since they’d been back from their trip to Dallas. He could tell by his friend’s expression that Tripp was concerned about something.
Maybe he had come to deliver a much-deserved ass-whipping. After all, Ryan had broken his promise by sleeping with Tess.
“What’s up, Tripp?” Ryan walked over to his friend, still gauging the man’s mood.
“I’m headed to the airport shortly, but I need to ask a favor.”
“Sure. Anything.”
“Keep an eye on Tess, will you?”
Ryan hadn’t expected that. “Why, is something wrong?”
“Not exactly.” Tripp removed his Stetson and adjusted it before placing it back on his head. “It’s just that Mom and Dad are still gone, and I’m staying in Des Moines overnight. She’ll be kicking around that big old house by herself mostly. We let a few hands off for the holidays. Plus... I don’t like that Bo and Clem have been sniffing around the last few days. I’m beginning to think that letting Tessa participate in that bachelor auction was a mistake.”
Ryan tugged his baseball cap down on his head, unsettled by the news of Bo and Clem coming around. He’d paid a hefty sum at the auction to ward those two off. Apparently, they hadn’t gotten the hint.
“First, if you think you let your sister participate in that bachelor’s auction, you don’t know your sister very well. Tess has got a mind of her own. Always has. Always will.”
“Guess you’re right about that.” Tripp rubbed the back of his neck. “And I’m not saying that Bo or Clem are bad guys. They’re nice enough, I guess.”
“Just not when they come calling on your sister.” Ryan chuckled. He knew exactly how Tripp felt.
“Yeah, pretty much.”
“Got a feeling the man you’ll think is good enough for your little sister ain’t been born yet.”
“And probably never will be.” Tripp chuckled. “But as her big brother, it’s my job to give any guy who comes a
round a hard time. Make him prove he’s worthy.”
“Well, just hold your horses there, buddy. It’s not like she’s considering either of them.” Ryan tried to appear nonchalant about the whole ordeal. Though on the inside he felt like David Banner in the midst of turning into the Incredible Hulk. He wanted to smash both Bo and Clem upside the head and tell them to go sniffing around someone else. “I think you’re getting a little ahead of yourself.”
“You haven’t been around since you guys got back.” The statement almost sounded accusatory. “Looks like the flower show threw up in our entry hall.”
“Clem and Bo have been sending Tessa flowers?” Ryan tried to keep his tone and his facial expression neutral. He counted backward from ten in his head.
“Clem’s apparently determined to empty out the local florist. Bo, on the other hand, has taken Tessa out to some play and this afternoon they’re out riding.”
Ryan hoped like hell that Tripp didn’t notice the tick in his jaw or the way his fists clenched at his sides.
Tripp flipped his wrist, checking his watch. “Look, I’d better get going. I’ll be back tomorrow afternoon, but call me if you need anything.”
“Will do.” Ryan tipped the brim of his baseball hat. “Safe travels.”
He watched his friend climb back into his truck and head toward the airport in Dallas.
Jaw clenched, Ryan uncurled his fists and reminded himself to calm down. Then he saddled up Phantom, his black quarter horse stallion, and went for a ride.
For the past few days, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about his weekend with Tess. The moments they’d shared replayed again and again in his head. Distracted him from his work. Kept him up staring at the ceiling in the middle of the night.
He knew Tess well. Knew she’d been as affected by their weekend together as he had. So how could she dismiss what they’d shared so easily and go out with Bo, or for God’s sake, Clem?
Phantom’s hooves thundered underneath him as the cold, brisk air slapped him in the face. He’d hoped that his ride would calm him down and help him arrive at the same conclusion Tess had. That it would be better for everyone if they remained friends.
