“Cussin’ jar, Daddy,” said Jaelle giving her dad a stern look.
“Sure.” Randy glanced at Selva so his conniving expression didn’t give anything away. While there, he would’ve found a way to break away from Jase to check out Nate Evers. It was probably a bad idea anyway.
After the kids finished, Jase stood and rushed them along, but dropped a buck into Judy’s cussin’ jar. At the door, he put his hat on and nodded to his mom. “See you when I get back. Talk to you later, Randy.”
Well, something must have been in the air or the water. Two of the Carlson women not feeling well? This would not be good news for Roxanne if two of them came up pregnant when she’d never be a mom herself. In time, the scuttlebutt would make its way around the barn if bellies didn’t pop out first.
***
Roxanne sat for hours at her laptop taking care of her business paperwork. In the past, locals knew where her storage facility was, and that was enough, but now she needed to be more proficient. Like giving notices to those who were behind in their rent, and to call auctioneers for those who have been neglectful for a longer period of time. She’d get her money back by doing an auction at least, if they didn’t pay up.
Between phone calls to associates and planning for marketing, she set it up so renters could make payments online. For her own benefit, she’d encourage direct deposit of rent. Before long, it was time for lunch and a break. She moved to the center of the living room to stretch out her sore shoulders and back from leaning over the keyboard, and she tried a couple dance moves across the floor. At that moment, she knew what she needed. She called Nora again. “How about a horseback ride this afternoon? The Superstition has been calling me. We’ll take Trista Rose.”
“Roxy, that sounds terrific, but I’m working with Tristan in the office right now. He took a break from outside work to finish an article for the magazine. We have a deadline.” She paused. “I need to talk to you. Come over for lunch, but I’ll have to forego the ride this afternoon.”
Turning the watch over on her wrist to check the time, she noted that she was a little hungry. “All right. Your house or Judy’s?”
“Come over to our house. Judy’s kitchen tends to get a little busy around lunch time, and I can’t take much of a break right now.” Nora covered the phone a moment to talk to Tristan, but when she came back on, she said they’d be alone. “Come now if you’re ready. I’ll prepare lunch.”
“I can bring cupcakes I made last night.”
“Mmm, fine. Did you make your special homemade buttercream frosting?”
“I did, and I hope the kids are there because I have gifts for them. Two stuffed animals I couldn’t resist when I saw them in a gift shop. One is powder blue and one is minty green.”
“Destiny is in school but she loves blue. Trista Rose doesn’t care as long as it’s cuddle worthy.” Nora laughed.
“I might go for a short ride later, after all, and you know what? A short ride alone will refresh my soul. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
***
Lunch consisted of leftover and delicious, homemade macaroni and cheese with ham, a tossed green salad, and her cupcakes. Roxanne still hadn’t heard what Nora wanted to tell her. Trista Rose ran around the kitchen like a little wind-up toy. Roxanne placed her hand on her friend’s shoulder while Nora put dishes in the dishwasher. “Did you forget you wanted to talk to me?”
Nora stopped what she was doing and glanced up at her with a flat expression, but a smile broke through. “No, it’s kind of hard to forget. What I have to tell you is a little bittersweet, I fear. I’ve had morning sickness for weeks now.”
Roxanne’s eyes shot to Nora’s abdomen. Nora pulled her blouse tight against her belly—right to a little paunch she had not noticed until now. Roxanne released a breath that had built up and grinned. “You and Tristan are having another baby?”
Nora took a seat and released her hair from the ponytail. “The two pregnancy tests I took showed positive. Look at this belly. I couldn’t wait to tell you, but in a way, I was afraid to. This little bulge will be hard to hide after a while. Tristan’s the only one who knows, I think. Needless to say, he’s thrilled and hoping for a son this time.”
Overly excited for her friend, Roxanne hugged her. “I’m happy for your family.” Tears hid but Roxanne knew they’d fall later. She was unsure if she wanted to cry because of her excitement for Nora, or because of her own sadness that she’d never be a mom. Truly, the news was bittersweet.
“You know I’ll need a lot of help with Trista and Destiny when the baby comes. Can I count on you?”
Her friend had detected the sadness slowly building within her soul. Tears wouldn’t stay back and one slipped down her cheek. “You know you can.”
Nora embraced her. “I’m so sorry, Roxy. That asshole will be taken down one of these days. I hate to say this because it’s such an old cliché, but you can adopt a child. You’d make a great mom.”
Her breath had been taken away at Nora’s words. She didn’t want to be a single mother. Life was hard enough as it was now. “It isn’t one of my life goals anymore. That’s the truth.” Roxanne crossed her heart. “Really.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make it worse.” Nora closed the dishwasher. With her back to Roxanne, she muttered, “Maybe one day you won’t be a single woman. You’re still young. Too young to make that kind of decision.”
“No, Nora. It isn’t in my near future. I prefer not to think about it. I’m just me, okay? Can we not make plans for anything else?” She moved beside Nora. “That isn’t a lot to ask. I am thrilled for your little family.”
“Of course. If it’s truly what you want.”
Roxanne lowered her eyes. “It is. Do you mind if I take this little girl to the barn with me to see the horses? I’ll bring her back if I decide to ride.”
Nora picked up her daughter. “Want to see the horses with Roxanne, honey?”
She shook her little brunette head and reached out for Roxanne. “I’ll bring her back shortly. Let’s go, you little sweetie pie. Enjoy some quite time while we’re gone, Nora.”
Nora snapped her fingers. “Oh, by the way, I wanted to tell you my mom changed her mind about going to Greece, or any other country. Brody and I are relieved to say the least.”
“That’s terrific. I’m glad you don’t have to worry about that anymore. C’ya later.” They left out the back door, and she moseyed down to the barn holding Trista’s hand. “Do you like the horses, Trista?”
“I do, Aunt Woxy.”
“Well, one day you’ll grow big enough and you can ride like your sister.” She bent over to brush windblown hair away from Trista’s face. It came as a surprise to Roxanne when Trista did the same thing back to her, and then Trista giggled. Those eyes held such happiness. Tristan had been so proud when she’d been born with his dissimilar eyes, or as he says, a hiccup.
Such a pretty little girl she was, too. Roxanne wrapped her arms around her, nearly crying again. Choking back sobs, she stood and they walked on. Thunderstorms had been predicted for tonight, but now puffy cumulous clouds loomed overhead. On a clear day such as today, wind-worn rock formations could be seen under a wide-open sky. Salty sweat coated her lips as she licked away their dryness.
She tugged Trista’s hand. “Slow down, Trista. Aunt Roxanne can’t walk fast over this uneven path.” Near the barn, a neighing horse drew her attention to the ring where Randy worked with the same horse that had bitten him. He didn’t see her. For a moment, she stared after him, mesmerized, kind of like she had been the day she’d seen him from afar. It was obvious by watching him, that he loved his work with the horses. Dane was pulling away with his trailer. Trista jerked on her arm to get her moving.
“Horsey, Aunt Woxy. Horsey!” The little girl pointed toward the barn and Roxanne followed along as Trista pulled her through the door.
Huffing breaths and grunts met them when they entered. She took the bag of molasses cookies off the peg
near the first stall, lifted Trista into her arms, and they strolled past each horse, stopping to give the nice ones a cookie.
“Daddy’s horsey.” She giggled and pointed, but didn’t reach out to pat Roark. At the next stall, Trista said, “Mama’s horsey.”
“Yes, you’re right. Midnight Shadow.”
Next Trista pointed to the stall across the way, and said, “Dissy’s horsey.”
“Dissy? You mean Sissy.” She held in a chuckle. “Do you mean Destiny’s horse, Dusty Girl?”
Trista nodded. “Sissy. Ne-ne’s…” She turned her palm up as if saying, ‘What else could it be, silly Woxanne?’
“Oh, you mean Destiny.” She was proud to be able to understand toddler-speak! They ambled to the next stall housing the other beautiful Friesian, Betsy. Trista took a cookie from the bag. This horse was the tamest. She held Trista’s hand out with hers to give Betsy the cookie. She squealed in glee as the horse’s tickling lips gently took it from their combined palms.
“That a girl. Your daddy would be so proud of you.”
“Speaking of her daddy, what are y’all doing?” Tristan came up to them wearing an amusing grin.
“Daddy!” Trista opened and closed her hands until Tristan came over to take her from Roxanne’s arms. “Hey, there, baby girl. Want to go back to Grandma’s with me while Mama finishes up in the house?”
She nodded so hard it was a wonder her little head hadn’t rolled off. Roxanne laughed. “She’s a daddy’s girl. How you doing, Tristan?” Roxanne smiled to think of Nora with this handsome, good-natured cowboy, and she couldn’t help but smile at him.
“Pretty good,” said Tristan. “Nora said you might want to ride. How about taking Betsy? You’ve ridden her before. She’s good to go.”
“Sweet!” Roxanne had an attachment for this horse from the earlier times she had visited and rode with Nora. “I’d love to ride her.” Roxanne put her hand on his arm. “I appreciate you and Nora so much. Thank you.”
“I’ll saddle her for you—”
“No, I need to do it myself. If I’m going to start living… Well, you know what I mean. It’s something I have to do, Tristan.”
“All righty, if you’re sure. Remember, the mounting block is right outside the barn if you need it.” Tristan wiggled his daughter’s hand. “Tell Roxanne you’ll see her later.”
“Bye!” She waved like a little child actress.
“I love you, Trista Rose. See you later. Tristan, tell Nora you have her now?” Tristan nodded. “I’ll text her.” She entered Betsy’s stall. “How you doing, girl? Ready for some fun? I’ll be right back.”
Inside the tack room, she eyed the saddles, bridles, and blankets. Hmm, maybe she should’ve let Tristan put it on for her. Setting that old sissy idea aside, she gathered the blanket and placed it on the post near Betsy. “Hold on.” Running her hand over her long, black mane, she left for the tack room again. While reaching for a saddle, hands clenched her shoulders, and slid down her arms to entwine their fingers. She was bathed in heat as the weight of his strong body pressed against her. Mmm…
“Let me do that for you this time, darlin’.”
His hot body remained against her and his lips went to her neck. For sure, she wouldn’t mind having him right here in the tack room, if there were a guarantee Tristan’s ranch hands wouldn’t walk in. Her heart went thumpity, thump, and if she had doubted sweating earlier, now it was obvious. She leaned her head against him and squeezed his hands. The fact that he cozied up like this excited her. “Hi, Randy. I saw you busy out there.”
The scent of him wafted through her nostrils, and whatever it was in his makeup, it sucked the sense out of her. Her heart almost matched the cadence of his beating against her back. She turned in his arms and their lips immediately connected in a sensuous rage. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and gave the kiss everything it deserved. Her breathing was heavy, and she was left wanting more when it came to an end. She peered up into lustful eyes. “What a nice surprise.” Oh, my, but she was so crazy about him.
“Yeah, imagine that.” Randy glanced around the tack room, then rested his gaze on the opened door. “How bad do you want to ride?”
“Oh, very, very badly, cowboy. You have no idea.”
“I’m talking about Betsy. What are you talking about?”
“You’re the one pressed up tight against me, and you can’t hide anything right now, babe, even in chaps, so just saying.”
He snickered and backed away to remove his chaps and tossed them aside. “You go ahead and take your ride. I’ll try to be here when you get back if you aren’t too long.” He lifted her chin. “You’re coming to my ranch, sooner than later. I have a favor to ask of you.” After a cute skewed smile, he continued, “I need a ride as bad as you do, now let me go to work.” Clamping his hands on her arms, he moved her to the side, picked up the saddle, and carried it out the door. She put the blanket over Betsy’s back. He lifted the saddle on her back and took a step away. “There you go.”
Roxanne snorted. As the saying goes: Save the horse, ride a… Trembling so bad from the instant need of him, words barely found a way from her voice box. Gulping, she still couldn’t speak when he stood there looking like the biggest stud in the barn while he stared and dared her. Holy moly! “Randy, for goodness sakes, you have to leave before I embarrass myself.” Her eyes raked over him in a t-shirt and jeans. His cowboy boots made him appear taller. For a fleeting moment, she was ready to take the saddle back to the tack room. “Stop watching me like that.”
Randy lifted his hand in an innocent gesture. “Like what? Cinch up the saddle before she tosses it off. I didn’t miss your appraisal of me, either, so if anyone is watching someone in this barn, it’s you. Now, saddle up.”
“Phew! You don’t think I can. Some things you don’t forget. It’s like riding a bike.” Roxanne turned to cinch the saddle. She glanced at him with a flirty smile as she walked around the horse to adjust the other side. His gaze followed her, which made her nervous. Excited. Wet. Proceeding to the bridle, she got it on after little more than a few tries. “What’s wrong with you, Betsy girl? Don’t you want to go for a ride?” The horse bobbed her head in answer. Randy lifted a brow. He stood there with his arms folded and looked smug, but sexy as damn hell.
She pressed her teeth against her lip for a moment before asking, “What is it? Why are you staring at me?”
He chortled. “I’m proud of you. You didn’t quit when she made a fuss. And, because you’re adorable. Woot!”
Focus, Roxanne. “Of course, I didn’t give up. Now, how am I going to get on this gentle beast? It’ll take some practice to do it right footed.” She glanced outside the door to where Randy had tied the horse he’d been training, but this time he had a saddle on. “Are you riding that ornery horse? Coming with me?”
“Yep, I mean, yeah, I’m riding the horse, but I’m not going with you.” Randy took hold of the reins and nodded for her to follow. “You’ll have to get boots.”
She needed to know how riding worked out first. After all, she wouldn’t need a boot to ride…the stud. She glanced at Randy and snickered. “We’ll see.”
He brought the horse to the other side of the stand. “You’ll have to get off on this side, won’t you?”
Get off? The hair on her arms stood straight up. “Yeah, I better.” She couldn’t imagine landing hard on the fake foot as she called it, though she was glad it was there, otherwise she’d be in a wheelchair, or trying to hobble around on uncomfortable crutches.
“Step aside.” Randy stuck his foot into the stirrup on the right side and leaned against the horse a second before mounting her. “All these horses are mounted from the right sometimes just to keep them used to it. I’m testing her before you get on.” Betsy scuffed the dirt a couple times, but that was all. Randy stepped down and handed her the reins. “Get on up there. I want to make sure you’re comfortable before I get back to work. How far you going?”
“I
’ll be comfortable. I’ll ride the fence line toward the mountain a little bit. I’ve done it before with Nora. I won’t go far.”
“You’d like riding my new horse, Spirit. Check him out when you come over tonight. I might auction her off, but if you like him…” He stood by as she put her right toe into the stirrup and swung her left leg over.
“It feels backwards.”
“You wanna ride bad enough, you’ll get used to it.”
They made eye contact and they both laughed. Both minds remembering the bedroom? Hers was.
Randy grasped her calf. “Don’t veer away from the fence line. You had a hard time finding my easement, remember? After a while, the desert all looks the same unless you know it.”
She sat up proudly in the saddle and wiggled her eyebrows at him. Today, she felt like a normal person except for getting on a horse from the off side. Randy coming into the barn had been a welcome hello-good-looking moment. “I’m good. The mountain stays on my right going out, and on my left coming back.” He waited all hot and sexy looking, with a slight tilt to his grin. Yowsa!
“Looking good up there, sweet thang. Take off, so I can watch you ride from the back.”
“You best not be watching my ass bounce in the saddle, mister.”
“Now you sound like the Roxanne Connor I used to know. Don’t worry, I’ll just be watching your riding form as you trot away. Really, that’s all.” Randy removed his hat and held it up to her. “Here, wear this to keep the sun off that gorgeous face.”
She would’ve believed him for about a second if he hadn’t given a slow wink. Roxanne tapped Betsy’s sides and rode down the path onward toward Superstition. Glancing back, she saw that he had a big grin on his face. She smiled as Betsy went into a trot, but she had to pull Randy’s hat lower on her forehead to keep it on, hoping she didn’t lose it when she took Betsy into a gallop, like right now. “That’a girl. Let’s ride, Bets!”
***
Back at the ranch after a pleasant ride, she removed both feet from the stirrups to get off, but Selva came up to take the reins as she settled back on the horse.
Lassoing The Last Dance (Double Dutch Ranch; Love At First Sight Book 4) Page 12
