by Ciana Stone
She waited long enough for the twins to say their goodbyes and then hurried to the counter, paid for her uneaten fritters, got the bag of fritters to take back to crew and left. Once on the sidewalk, she stopped and let out her breath. Just then, she heard someone call her name. She looked to her left and saw Wesley Pursell walking toward her.
"Mr. Pursell, good morning."
"Wes, please. And yes, it is. Good to see you Ms. Windwalker."
"Jolene."
"I'm honored and I was just about to head to the cafe for breakfast. Care to join?"
"I was there half an hour ago and it was packed."
"Well, perhaps something has opened up. Unless you have somewhere else to be?"
"No. I'd love to. I wanted to talk with you again."
"Oh?" He gestured toward the road and they started across the street. He placed one hand on the small of her back as they walked, in a very gentlemanly manner. "And what might you want to speak with me about?"
"Your business."
"Which one?"
"All of them. Ranching, horse racing, oil. Your family is one of note in many circles. I read up on you after we met."
"Ah, ever the journalist."
"Hey, a girl has to eat." They stepped up onto the sidewalk in front of the cafe.
"Indeed. And –" He looked in the window. "I believe we may be in luck."
More than a couple of heads turned when they entered, including one over-sprayed and over-dyed, sitting on the chubby shoulders of Netta Bloom. Damn does she live here? Jolene hated thinking ill of a person but Netta was as bad as Nellie Mae when it came to gossip.
Wesley directed her to a free table and once seated, smiled at the waitress, Jenny. "Coffee for me, please."
"Same here." Jolene gave Jenny a smile.
"Y'all need a minute or you ready to order?"
Jolene looked at Wesley. "I'm ready." He handed Jenny the unopened menu. "Two eggs over easy, hash browns, steak rare and biscuits."
"Got it. And you, Jo?"
"I think I'll have the same."
"So, are you back in Texas to stay or just visiting family?" Jolene asked as the waitress walked away.
"I haven't decided yet."
"I did a little reading about you and your family. You've made quite a name for yourself in the oil business. In fact, you've been likened to a diviner – the man who can find oil where no one else can. A sorcerer of sorts."
Wesley smiled. "There's no magic to it. It's all in knowing what to look for."
"And what would that be?"
"In short, the right convergence necessary to form an oil pool."
She chuckled. "You do realize that to the uninitiated that sounds a bit like Greek."
Wesley smiled. "Yes."
"Okay, so that was intentional which leads me to ask – are you unwilling to talk or afraid you'll let slip your secret to success?"
"Neither. I love talking about it. Just not in a public place. In case you haven't noticed, there are a lot of people watching us."
Jolene had noticed, but was choosing to ignore it. "And why do you suppose that is?"
"Because you're hot and new to town and I'm a Pursell."
"Which translates as…?"
He shrugged and waited until the waitress Jenny had poured their coffee before responding. "They probably figure I see you as a temporary diversion that might be bought and they see you as a fortune hunter."
"None of which is flattering to me. Why do you assume they think I can be bought or would be a fortune hunter?"
His expression sobered and if she wasn't mistaken, she read a tint of resentment in his voice. "Because they think people with money buy everything they have and they think everyone is out to try to get whatever they can from the rich, by any means necessary."
"They? So you're saying the people in this town are so superficial and dishonorable that they would whore themselves to get part of what you have?"
"No. Not at all. But they will think it of an outsider."
"It must be difficult and lonely going through life with that attitude."
"Yeah, sometimes."
"So why hang onto it? If people here are honorable and accept you for who you are, then why carry around unwarranted resentment?"
"It's not unwarranted." He took a sip from his cup. "Let me ask you. When you meet someone who is poor, or just an average working man, what do you think?"
"I don't know. I judge people by who they are – not what they have."
"Do you? Okay, so what about when you meet someone rich? Is your demeanor different? Do you address them differently or behave in a manner that is designed not to offend?"
"Are you asking if I kiss ass because someone's rich?"
"Yes, I suppose."
"Have I behaved that way with you, Wesley?"
"Wes, please. And no."
"Well there's your answer."
"I guess it is. However, not everyone is that way, Jo. Some people can only see you for what you have, not for who you are. Look at your friend Cody Sweet."
Jolene's ears perked right up. Not because he mentioned Cody but because when he spoke her name, his voice changed in timbre and his gaze slid away from Jo's. Wesley Pursell was attracted to Cody. Interesting.
"What about her?"
"She dislikes me simply by virtue of my name."
"I think it's more than that, Wes. She remembers overhearing things as a child, people talking about your family. It's a matter of public record that your family bought out a lot of farms and ranches when you were a small child. Your father earned a reputation as a savvy but ruthless business man."
"I'm not my father."
"No, but unfortunately the sins of the father are all too often visited on the child. You know that."
"I do."
"Then what are you doing to change that perception?"
He blinked, as if in surprise and she smiled at him. "Okay, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get into this. But I do want to interview you."
"Why?"
"Because you're interesting. You could have ridden on your father's coattails, lived the life of a spoiled son, spent your time on your thoroughbreds and—"
"You know about the horses?"
"Like I told you, I read up. And I have two researchers who are superb at what they do. I know you're a major player in the horseracing world. You've had two Triple Crown winners and just before you returned to Cotton Creek there was a – let's call it a buzz—in the racing world about the private sale of a certain stallion. I'd be willing to bet you bought Kings Landing."
He shook his head and smiled. "You don't miss much, do you, Jo?"
"Not if something catches my interest."
"And I've done that?"
"Professionally, yes."
"Not personally? I'm wounded. And here I thought I was the millionaire playboy catch of the day."
She laughed at that. "I imagine you are, but I'm not looking for a hook-up. And neither are you."
"What makes you say that?"
"Let's just call it an old Indian trick."
"So you are Native American. I thought so. From where?"
"Oklahoma. Cherokee Nation. My father was full blood."
Their breakfast arrived and for a few minutes they focused more on eating than talking. Topics they discussed were the renovations in town, the football team and the shindig Cody and her sister were throwing that evening.
Jolene enjoyed breakfast, both the food and the company and by the time they parted ways outside the diner, she'd gotten Wes's agreement for an interview. She knew she could sell the idea to the network. Even if they didn't want it, she could think of three others who would.
Feeling satisfied, she started the walk back to Nellie Mae's house. A yell from the street had her turning to look. Briggs and Dawson were waving and yelling as they rode past in their father's truck. JD was doing neither. He never looked her way.
Her good mood threatened to evaporate, and she realized she wa
s allowing JD Weathers way more power than he deserved in her life. They'd had a fling and it was amazing. He'd snuck from her bed while she slept, a coward's act as far as she was concerned. So why was she even giving him the time of day? He didn't give a rat's ass about her and it was time for her to forget about him.
There were, as the old saying went, other fish in the sea, and maybe it was time she thought about taking a swim in those waters.
Chapter Nine
Jolene hadn't planned on going to the Weathered Rail Ranch, but Cody had stopped by and wouldn't take no for an answer. Bobby Daniels, a young man who worked for Riley Morgan had come to Cody when he first arrived in Cotton Creek and asked her to teach him roping.
She'd taught him all she could and had then convinced JD to take Bobby under his wing. JD was training him and Cody was going over to watch.
"It'll be great for your story." Cody yelled to be heard over the radio as they rode along, windows down and the wind blowing their hair.
"I know. Why do you think I brought a camera?"
"You know how to work that thing?"
"Yeah, I've done it a time or two. You sure it will be okay for us to be there?"
"Sure, why not? Jason told you to come any time you wanted, right?"
"Yeah, but every time I show up JD gets that look on his face."
Cody dismissed the comment with a wave of her hand. "JD just has that kind of face. When he's not smiling he looks mean. And he's not the yuk it up kinda guy anyway. It'll be fine and you need to stop worrying about stepping on his toes. He has big feet."
Jolene wasn't so confident and hoped it wouldn't anger JD. That thought gave her pause. Why was she trying to be so careful not to anger him? She had done nothing to him and certainly wasn’t responsible for the choices he'd made in his life.
Maybe what she should do is simply stop worrying and be herself, treat this like any other assignment. Yes, that's what she'd do. She wouldn't let him get to her – on any level.
That resolve pretty much flew out the window when they pulled up beside the paddock. JD was on horseback and Bobby was sitting on the fence watching. Jolene grabbed her camera, opened the door and stood up on the edge of the floorboard of the truck, balancing the camera on the roof so she could film.
As strange as it might sound to people who weren't into such things, watching JD ride and rope was downright sexy. He didn't notice her or Cody, who was leaning against the side of the truck until he unloosed the rope from the cow and turned around.
Cody threw up her hand. "Still got it, dude!"
JD smiled and shook his head. Bobby hopped down from the fence and hurried to JD. Jolene watched as they talked for a couple of minutes. Finally, JD handed Bobby the lasso and headed for the gate. Cody pushed away from the truck and met him when he stepped outside the paddock.
"So, how's he doing?"
"Not bad. Timing's not there yet, but he has promise."
"I appreciate you making time to help him."
He nodded and cut his eyes toward Jolene as she approached. She'd left the camera in the truck. "You doing more interviews with Pop today?"
"No, Cody just asked me to ride with her. Do you think your student has what it takes?"
"He might. Definitely eager and takes direction well."
"And is gonna be sore as a boil tomorrow." Cody pointed to the corral.
Jolene covered her mouth to hide the laugh. Bobby had managed to get the rope around the cow's neck, but now the cow was headed for the opposite side of the paddock. Bobby was hanging on and if he didn't let go soon, he would end up in the dirt.
Which is exactly what happened. JD shook his head, but smiled. Cody laughed out loud and Jolene struggled not to. Bobby got up, dusted himself off, and laughed. "Yeah, lesson three hundred and twelve – let go."
"And get back on the horse and try again." JD said.
"Yes sir!"
"So, you coming to the thing tonight?" Cody asked.
"Who, me?" JD looked at her.
"Yeah, you."
"Don't know."
"Why not?"
He shrugged and looked at Jolene. "You're going with Jayce?"
"I am?" She met his eyes and for once the film of hatred was not marring their depths.
"You're not?" His expression changed, and she saw the man she'd known three years ago, the one she'd fallen for fast and hard.
"No. I'm meeting Annie for dinner and riding with her and Riley."
"I thought – never mind." He looked away and the moment was over.
"So we'll see you there?" Cody asked.
"Maybe. Gotta see to Bobby."
"Okay."
Jolene watched him walk away. That in itself was a pleasure. JD looked as good going and he did coming. She was still watching when Cody elbowed her.
"Ouch, what?"
"Ogle much there cowgirl?"
Jolene rolled her eyes and bit back a smile. "I wasn't ogling."
"Yeah, right. Damn girl, you got it bad."
"That obvious?"
"Yep. So you wanna hang out and watch awhile?"
"Sure. I think I'll film some more."
"Just try to get more than JD's ass."
"Puleeze, I'm a professional." She headed back to the truck for the camera. It wouldn't be hardship at all to watch JD. The camera just covered her real reason for being there. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she'd use about any excuse to be around him.
How pathetic was that?
*****
Jolene never imagined there would be so many people crowding the parking lot of what was once Billy's Bar. She rode with Annie and Riley and they had a hard time finding a place to park. Riley took his guitar case from the truck since he was playing with his band and he and Annie headed off to find out where they were setting up. Jolene promised to catch up with them later.
Jolene had enjoyed the dinner. She and Annie hit it right off, and she wished that Cotton Creek were not simply a pit stop for her. She'd already made two new friends in Cody and Annie and it made her long to have that as more than a temporary thing.
Her phone chimed, and she pulled it out of her back pocket. She smiled as she saw who it was. Jayce.
"Hey cowboy."
"Hey beautiful. Where are you?"
"At Billy's."
"Well so am I. The band is setting up on the foundation and there's cold beer."
"On my way."
As she wandered through the crowd, she was greeted by people she knew from eating at the bakery or local restaurants. She saw Jason and waved. He tipped his hat to her with a smile then resumed a conversation with two other men. She scanned the crowd, searching for JD, but didn't spot him.
"Hey!"
She turned at the sound of Jayce's voice behind her. "Well hey there, cowboy. You sure clean up good."
He grinned at her and she was struck by just how handsome he was. "You look beautiful."
Jolene laughed. "Flatterer."
"Just call it like I see it, darlin'. Want a beer?"
"Maybe later. Just finished dinner and am stuffed."
"Whatever you want. So, how're you liking Cotton Creek?"
"I like it. A lot. The people are nice, it seems like a good place to live, and there's a sense of community here that you don't find much anymore."
"Yeah, it is nice. Not that I have much to compare, mind you. Aside from college, been here my whole life."
"No desire to leave?"
"No. Well, maybe once. But I got married and Carson came along and… well, you know."
"I met your son. He's such a handsome young man. Like his father. And really sweet."
"Yeah, I think all the boys have a crush on you."
She laughed. "Oh?"
Jayce smiled. "Yeah, no offense, but Carson said you'd make the perfect Indian princess."
"Well, I'm flattered. You must be proud of him. I hear he's very smart, does well in school, and looks to be following in his cousins' footsteps when it comes to f
ootball."
"Yeah, the boy loves to play ball. All kinds. I don't know that he'll ever settle on one sport though."
"So, let me ask if it's not too personal. Where's his mother?"
"Nathalie? She lit out when he was two. Haven't seen or heard from her since."
"That had to have been hard, raising him by yourself."
"Naw. I mean life always has challenges, but like Pop always said, if you want something you find time for it, and if you don't, you find excuses. I want to be a good dad and Carson makes that easy."
His words touched her. She reached out to give his arm a squeeze. "You're a good man, Jayce."
"I try."
Just then a voice boomed out from speakers spaced around the area. It was Cody Sweet. "Hey, y'all. Glad you could join us. We've got a great band, cold beer and mixed drinks, so y'all have a few, kick up your heels and enjoy the music and company."
Hollers and cheers followed, almost drowning out the first notes of the band. Jayce held out his hand to Jolene. "Let's dance."
Jolene took the hand he offered and let him pull her through the crowd to the makeshift dance floor. Jason hadn't lied. Jayce could dance. Just watching him was a treat, and from the looks he drew from other women, it wasn't just her appreciating his moves.
It was she, however, who was starting to appreciate the feel of his hard body against hers as he swung her into his arms for a slow dance. She arched back to see his face. "Your father wasn't nearly lavish enough in his praise. You do realize that half the women here are watching you, right?"
His smile was sexy enough to light a fire, and she found herself surprised to feel the warmth spreading through her. "Not much interested in them, darlin'." He danced her over to the edge of the crowd.
She chuckled. "You do that so well."
"Do what?"
"That good ol' boy slow drawl."
He laughed and swung her around. "On to me, are you?"
"I'm starting to be."
"I just like to have fun."
"Nothing wrong with that."
"Except there is. Look Jo, I like you and I think we could have some fun, but I'll be straight with you. I'm not looking for happily-ever-after. I tried that, and it didn't stick. So, if you're interested in having some fun while you're here, then I'm your man. But if you're looking for something else…"
