“You know what I wish?” she asked after a few minutes.
“Hmm?”
“I wish we were closer. I wish you felt like I was a safe person to talk to. If I’ve ever blabbed a secret and broken your trust, I don’t remember doing so. I’ve never been all that close to Megan, even though she’s a girl and closer to my age. She always had that rebellious, sneaky streak, and now that she seems to be a nice, mature person, she’s married and expecting her second kid. Now everything is all about Eli and Aiden.”
Let her talk. If Tori was griping about their sister, he was off the hook, at least temporarily.
“I mean, I know that’s how she should be, focused on her husband and son, to say nothing of the coming baby. But somehow, I missed my window of opportunity to really be friends with her, you know?”
James murmured an agreement. Tori wasn’t wrong about Megan. She’d always been a wild one, never toed the line. Their parents could probably blame most of their gray hair on their middle child.
“But, you.”
Drat, Tori was back around. He rolled paint and braced himself.
“We’re a lot more alike in personality, and you’re only four years older. That’s not so much, especially now that we’re both adults. I’ve tried so hard to prove myself. I work hard, I don’t gossip, and I think I’m a generally nice person.”
Oh, man. “You are. You’re great.” He glanced over at her.
His sister stared back, a slight frown furrowing her brow. “Then what am I doing wrong? You can tell me.”
James shook his head. “It’s not you. Honestly. It’s me.”
“That doesn’t cut it, big brother. That’s like a horribly cliché breakup line.”
“I didn’t mean it that way.” He stood back and surveyed the room. It looked a lot different than the pastel blue it had been for the past few years. Warmer. More inviting. Not too feminine but, since his sister had chosen it, not too masculine, either. “Nice choice, Tori. You’ve got a good eye. I might use this shade in my house.”
“You’re really not going to talk to me, are you?”
His turn to frown. He turned to her. “What do you mean? I’m talking to you right now.”
“About paint colors. Not about anything important.”
She had the grit and determination of a rookie bronc rider. Unseated, but still in the saddle. He had to admire the quality... which didn’t mean he was ready to spill his guts. “How about you? Met any cowboy worth riding into the sunset with?”
Tori curled her lip at him. “Why would I tell you if I did? We don’t seem to be friends.”
“Oh, come on, sis.”
“No. Friendship works both ways. If you won’t talk to me, then I’ve got nothing to say to you.” She picked up the paint tray, carried it through the archway into the eating nook, and set it on the drop-cloth-covered table before surveying the space.
Women. Why did they have to be so extreme? James wanted her off his back, but not angry with him. Why couldn’t they just hang out? Work together? Chill? He looked over the section he’d just completed — no streaks or bubbles — then followed her into the adjoining space. “Tori, you don’t have to take it personally.”
“Uh huh.” She didn’t look at him. “You asked about the bedding. I checked tracking this morning and it’s en route. Should be here tomorrow.”
“Good news.” James clenched his teeth. No wonder he was such a failure with Lauren. He couldn’t even carry on a civilized conversation with his own sister, let alone the woman he loved.
Chapter Nine
Lauren knew better, but somehow her finger hit the signal light lever while her foot tapped the brake of her Wrangler. She was only stopping to check Rosebud since she was passing by. That’s all. Truthfully, it was no more than she’d do if the foal had been born at Canyon Crossing or Eaglecrest.
Before she could change her mind, the cowboy striding across the yard glanced over and lifted his hand in greeting. At his heels, Brody gave one bark and wagged his tail.
Her heart stuttered. Why was she doing this to herself? Why poke at her emotions to see if they were still sensitive? They were, okay? Enough. Still, she turned into the Flying Horseshoe’s drive and parked beside the stable.
James opened the Jeep’s door and leaned over the opening, peering at her. “Hey, Lauren. Everything okay?”
He was so close, oozing the comforting scents of horses and oiled leather. His denim shirt stretched over his torso, the snaps pulling with his arm resting above the door opening. His blue eyes looked guarded, like he expected bad news.
“Hi there. I was just driving by on my way back from Sutherlands’ place and thought I’d stop in and see how Rosebud is doing. She’s what, two weeks old now?”
“Twenty days.”
Why didn’t he budge? She couldn’t very well exit the Jeep while he blocked her way. For an instant she imagined stepping into his space and wrapping her arms around him. Feeling his arms cradle her. Yeah. That would never happen. He’d had over a decade to make his move and was unlikely to suddenly come to his senses. Unless he remembered and was biding his time, but she’d seen no indication of that. She’d notice.
“So, Snowball and Rosebud are doing well? I’ve got a few minutes and would love to have a look.” It wasn’t until she unbuckled and swung her leg out that James shifted a few steps out of her way. So much for her snatch of daydream.
He shoved both hands in his jeans pockets and poked his chin toward the maze of runs and corrals beyond the stables. “They’re out getting some fresh air. You can see for yourself.”
“It’s lovely and warm this morning.” Lauren fell into step beside him, keeping the dog between them. “You guys ready for the tourist season?”
“Getting there. Tori and I painted Cabin Two earlier this week. Eli replaced a set of taps that proved to be leaking when we turned the water back on in Cabin Four.” He leaned against the split-log corral fence and pointed toward the mare and her foal.
Lauren watched a moment as Rosebud suckled, her tail swishing. The peaceful scene settled over Lauren like a downy blanket. “She’s beautiful.”
“She’s got good lines. If you want a closer look, hop on in.”
“No, it’s okay. Unless you have concerns.” He’d have called the clinic if he did.
James shook his head. “Keeping busy?”
“Always.” She forced a chuckle. Did it sound as carefree as she hoped? “Lots of births this time of year. One of Carmen’s Border collies has whelped and the other will soon. Meg said something about wanting a puppy for Aiden. I’m sure she and Carmen have been in touch.”
“Probably.”
Silence stretched for a long moment. Lauren kept her eyes on the mare and foal while every cell in her body yearned to sidle closer to the cowboy beside her. “Do you ever sell riding stock?”
He shifted beside her, brushing her arm. “Not often, unless a horse seems too high-strung for beginning riders. It’s rare we don’t spot that tendency before we buy, though. Take Coaldust, for instance. He’s got a head on him, but Tori’s more than capable. That leaves the horse she worked with last year open for guests. Luna.”
“I rode her a couple of weeks ago. Good gait.”
James nodded. “Looking to buy a horse?”
“Might be. I was thinking of boarding one at Canyon Crossing Stables.”
“You can come ride one of ours anytime, you know. No need to be a stranger.”
And see James with his look-but-no-touch attitude? There was only so much self-flagellation she could submit herself to. “Morrisons’ stables are closer to town.”
He scoffed lightly. “By five minutes. Unless you’re angling after Garret...?”
Lauren pushed away from the fence and stumbled over Brody, who’d sprawled behind them. The dog rolled out of the way, and James caught her arm before she hit the dust.
“Did I hit a nerve with that one?” he asked.
“Are you kidding me?�
� Lauren’s hands found her hips as she shook off his touch. “You think I’m interested in Garret Morrison?”
He shrugged, not quite meeting her eyes. “Why not? He’s a good guy. Can’t do much better.”
“Who says I’m looking?”
“As you keep telling me, you’re pushing thirty.”
“That doesn’t mean I’m hunting for a husband.” If only she could meet his gaze and tell him he was the only man she’d ever wanted.
James tipped his head back and laughed.
It should have warmed her heart, but it had the opposite effect. Did he really care so little about her and her feelings, even after the friendship they’d shared since they were kids? He’d once felt something toward her. Loyalty, at least. Protectionism.
“Turnabout is fair play, Lauren.”
She narrowed her eyes and studied him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You keep trying to foist your friends off on me but, wow, do you get defensive when the boot’s on the other foot.” He quirked a brow and met her gaze.
No amusement softened his expression. She chuckled. “It’s not the same thing.”
“You don’t think so?” James leaned back against the fence, hooking his elbows over the railing while one booted heel rested on the bottom board. “I think it is. I’ll trust you to make your own decisions if you’ll trust me.”
Lauren stared at him, a thousand thoughts stampeding through her mind. What would he do if she threw herself at him and told him she loved him? Would he be like Conor, parroting the words back but not meaning them? Letting her down gently — or not so gently — later?
Too much risk. She turned away. “Sure, whatever.”
“What does that even mean?”
“It means, fine, I give up. Be old and grumpy and single for all I care. I was just trying to help.” She stomped over to the Wrangler and jerked open the driver’s door. Why didn’t he stop her? If he loved her, he would. She’d been deluding herself all this time, hoping he’d come around. Maybe she would date Garret. It would serve James right.
* * *
The orange Wrangler burned out of the ranch yard, spinning gravel. The tires squealed a little when they connected with blacktop on the main road.
James stared after it. Took off his Stetson and scratched his head. Yeah, okay. He’d goaded her. He didn’t know what kind of reaction he’d expected, but this definitely wasn’t it. Who knew people-pleasing Lauren Yanovich had such a temper?
The quiet purr of the guest ranch’s golf cart stopped beside him. How much had Dad witnessed? Probably not much. The rev of Lauren’s motor had already faded to nothing.
James shoved his hat back on his head and turned to his father. “Hey there.”
“Hello, son. What was that all about?”
“Lauren stopped by to check on the foal and now she’s headed back to the clinic.” Or so he assumed.
“She seemed skittish as an unbroke colt.”
“Yeah. Not sure what goes on in a woman’s mind.” James laughed.
“Sure it was Rosebud she came to see?”
James’s gaze caught on his father’s angled eyebrows. “Uh. Yes? That’s what she said. Why would she lie?”
“Women are confounding creatures. Hard to understand.”
“Try telling me something I don’t know. Give me a horse any day.”
“It’s worth the effort, though.” Dad went on as though James hadn’t spoken. “God made men and women to complement each other. To complete each other.”
James pushed out a laugh. “We had the birds-and-the-bees talk years ago, Dad. I haven’t forgotten.” Sometimes he wished he could. He yearned for Lauren in ways that made him crazy.
“It’s more than physical.” Dad nudged back his cowboy hat and leaned both elbows on the cart’s steering wheel.
“Right. Why are we having this talk?”
“How long are you going to wait? I thought maybe planning your house would remind you, but it hasn’t seemed to.”
“Wait for what?” The words came out but, if Dad was that astute, they wouldn’t fool him.
“To tell that woman how you feel.”
“She’d have to let me get within ten feet of her for that to happen.” James poked the pointy toe of his boot into the dust, sounding sullen even to himself. There was no point in pretending his father was wrong.
Dad chuckled. “You were within ten feet, right over there by the corral.”
“Emotionally, she might as well have been at the north pole.”
“You two used to be such good friends. What happened?”
A good question, and one that James had mulled over many times. He shook his head slowly. “I’m not sure. She started poking at me about dating two or three years ago. She’s had no shortage of options to present, and I can’t convince her to stop.” Although today’s retaliatory scuffle may have done the trick. “Honestly, her obsession makes it hard to talk to her anymore.”
“So, why’s she doing that? Pushing you away?”
“I wish I knew.”
“Is she matchmaking anyone else?”
James shrugged. “Not this much. She had a few suggestions for Kade last summer before Cheri returned, and Garret sounded disappointed Lauren didn’t care enough about him to give him more of a push. I seem to be special.” Yeah, he sounded bitter. Sue him.
Dad laughed. “About what I thought.”
“That doesn’t even make sense.”
“Doesn’t it? Think on it a little deeper, Jamie. Pray, too.”
Yeah. Sure. Like he hadn’t been doing either of those things all along.
Dad turned on the golf cart. “Tori tells me Cabin Two is ready for guests. I was going to go have a look. Join me?”
“Okay.” James walked beside the cart, thankful for the help the battery-powered vehicle offered his father in getting around the ranch. The bonus was it doubled as a luggage trolley for guests who brought everything but the kitchen sink on their vacations.
At Cabin Two, Dad took his crutches and slowly maneuvered up the few steps to the deck.
“Still thinking of building four more cabins next year?” James asked.
Dad nodded and pointed up the lakeshore. “On the other side of the canoe storage shed, I think.”
“How about we make one or two of those wheelchair accessible?”
“Now there’s an idea.” Dad tapped a crutch against his leg and looked out over the small lake. “Might be folks like me looking for a taste of ranch life or accompanying able-bodied families.”
“That’s what I was thinking. Ground level entry, wide doorways, no-threshold showers. That kind of thing.” All the adjustments the ranch house had required after his father’s accident.
Dad turned from the railing. “I appreciate the thought, Jamie. You’ve got a good heart.”
“Are you sure we can do that and build a house for me?”
“Went over it all with the accountant. The Flying Horseshoe is solid, son, thanks to you and your sisters stepping up when your mother and I needed you most.”
James followed his dad into the cabin’s living room. “This ranch means everything to all of us kids. We’d do anything to take care of it. To take care of you.”
“We’re blessed.” Dad swiped at his eyes. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am you had to give up your dreams of finishing college. Your sisters never even got started.”
Time to lighten the mood. “Meg wasn’t exactly aiming for a degree in anything fit for civilization.”
“No. No, you’re right. Thankful she found her way back to God, though. That’s what is most important.” He paused, looking around. “Looks good in here. Tori’s got a good eye. You should get her to give you a hand with your house.”
“And let the high praise go to her head? I don’t think so.” James laughed. “I do like this color of paint, though. I was thinking of going with the wooden wall option but both Denae and Tori are against it.”
> Dad turned, eyebrows up. “Denae?”
“Denae Armstrong. Stewy’s daughter. You remember Stewy and Michelle used to own Standing Rock? Denae is back in Saddle Springs.”
“And she has an opinion because...?”
“She popped into Java Springs the day I had the preliminary meeting with Brent Callahan. I invited her to make some suggestions.”
“Do you care for this Denae?”
James shrugged. “Not really. She’s renting the other half of Lauren’s duplex. They’re friends.”
“Then why involve her?”
“Why not? She’s a woman. I needed a female perspective.”
“There is no such thing as a female perspective.” Dad shook his head. “Where did I go so wrong with you?”
What was that supposed to mean? James glared at his father. “Every guy thinks solid wood walls are a terrific option. Every woman I’ve talked to says the interior walls should definitely be sheet rocked and painted. If that’s not a differing gender perspective, I don’t know what one is.”
“Just because something is usually true doesn’t make it a law for all women. What if Lauren Yanovich is the one in a thousand women who prefers wood, but you didn’t ask her?”
James drew himself to his full height and looked down at his father. “I don’t know why you’re back around to this.”
“Oh, I think you do, Jamie. I think you do.” Dad shuffled through to the kitchen, nodded as he glanced around, then returned to the glass doors to the deck. “Looks good, son. Thank you.”
Chapter Ten
“Oh, this place is adorable!” Denae peered up the ladder to the loft in James’s cabin.
Lauren shifted on the leather loveseat. She generally avoided coming in here. It was compact, way too intimate. Not that she’d need to worry about James taking advantage of her presence when all he did was ignore her or treat her like one of the guys. She wouldn’t be here now except that Tori had called everyone together to make final plans for the trail ride next week.
The Cowboy’s Mixed-Up Matchmaker Page 7
