“You’re up early,” Jase observed, walking out from the bathroom with just a towel wrapped around his waist.
Thank goodness the room was still dark with only the light from the bathroom behind him to illuminate his mostly naked body. The way their schedules were arranged, Jase was usually showered, dressed and heading out the door by the time Allie woke up, but this morning she’d woken up early and couldn’t fall back asleep.
“I thought I’d head to the main house early. There are several groups arriving today and I want to make sure I have their welcome packets put together with customized activity suggestions.”
“Why are you sitting in the dark?” he questioned.
“The morning was so peaceful, I didn’t want to disturb it with artificial light,” she replied. It was true. She loved sitting in the dark on early mornings. Back at the main house, she’d often have her coffee on the front porch. There was an unmatchable serenity during those early hours. And when the sun began to rise, she felt unconquerable freedom, like anything was possible.
And this morning she needed that. One week had passed since she’d become Mrs. Allison Loretta Callahan. She tried not to think of herself like that, lest she becomes too attached to the name. Or more importantly, the man. Who was she kidding? She was already attached, but in less than three months they’d be ending this marriage, and Jase would be moving to the Triple M. She’d only see him a few times a year, if that.
Last night, she’d had a dream that twisted her insides worse than a bucking bronco. They’d reached the end of their three months. Jase’s truck was loaded down with his belongings and he’d driven off, down the dusty, gravel road. She’d chased his truck, screaming that she loved him, that she’d always loved him. But he didn’t hear her and kept driving, never looking backwards. She chased him all the way to the Triple M, running so hard her lungs burned, while her legs were on fire. Finally, his truck stopped when he reached his new home, but she’d collapsed, unable to reach him. She’d tried calling out to him again, but her voice was hoarse and low from the miles of screaming his name; then, a buxom blonde came out, greeting him with a completely inappropriate kiss. That’s when she’d woken up, soaked to the bone in a cold sweat. She’d jumped out of bed and ran to the living room to find Jase, relieved to hear the water in the bathroom running. It had only been a dream.
For the first time, she regretted not just telling her parents the truth. Was their further disappointment in her really worth this agony? And that’s what it was. Living with Jase was a slow, sweet torture. He’d been more than accommodating. He’d even taken to wearing a shirt when she was there. He left her coffee in the morning. He’d entertained her and listened to her when she needed to talk. He’d soothed her fears and calmed her nerves. He’d been perfect. If only he was truly hers, but Jase was a wild mustang who belonged to no one. To rein him in would be to change his very nature.
Jase flipped the switch, turning the light on. She hadn’t realized he’d left the room to dress and had returned. Her eyes squinted, adjusting to the sudden brightness of the room.
“Sorry Allie Cat, I’ve never been good at feeling my way through the dark,” he told her.
She rolled her eyes. Why did he insist on calling her that nickname? It made her think of a scrawny, annoying pest. He didn’t really see her like that, did he? It was too early in the morning for all these deep thoughts.
“What’s on your agenda today?” she asked him, finding a neutral topic.
“I’ll be working with that new stallion, Lightning, we bought last month. Dad said not to get him, but he was such a beauty at a great price, I couldn’t pass him up. His previous owners said he wouldn’t amount to much, despite his pedigree, because he’s not trainable, but I don’t agree.”
“He’s a beautiful specimen. He’s the stud you want with Cinnamon, right?”
“Yes, once I can get him trained.” Jase pulled out a frying pan as he talked. “Want some eggs?”
“Sure,” she answered. “They’d make beautiful foals if you can get them together.” She got up and pulled a loaf of bread from the cabinet.
“So would we, Allie,”
Her face turned red and she busied herself, making toast. So much for a neutral topic. Not that she couldn’t picture a life together, having his babies; but it was a pointless fantasy. It would never happen. He’d have a whole new crop of willing women at the Triple M and he’d no doubt enjoy their yield. The thought made her an unhealthy shade of envy green.
They ate their breakfast in relative silence until it was time for Jase to leave. “What do you say we have dinner, here, tonight, instead of the main house with everyone else?” he suggested, standing to take his plate to the sink.
She should say no. Spending time alone with him, especially in such closed quarters, was wreaking havoc on her. “That sounds good. I’ll stop by the kitchen on my way back. If I can catch Cook in a good mood maybe he’ll send some food home with me.”
Jase laughed. “I don’t know that I’ve ever seen Cook in a good mood, but he does have a soft spot for you. Maybe you can use it to your advantage to get an apple crisp out of him?”
“I’ll see what I can do.” She smiled, finding herself stuck in a gaze with him. It had been happening quite often in their first week of marriage, but she wouldn’t allow herself to raise her hopes, thinking about what it could mean.
“I’ll see you tonight,” he said. “Have a good day.” His hand touched her arm as he walked by, burning her skin through the material of her long-sleeved t-shirt.
She watched him walk away, admiring the rear view of his confident gait and leather chaps exposing a firm, denim clad back-side. By this evening, he’d smell of sweat, leather and horses; the fresh musky soap scent long gone. And she knew which one would cause her insides to melt. Looking at the glow of the stove’s clock, she saw she needed to get busy. It wasn’t an excuse she gave Jase; she actually did have work to get done before the newest guests arrived.
This morning she chose to walk over to the main lodge. She’d grown up in that house, lived there since the day she was born. It was a huge two-story log cabin, separated into three areas that looked out to the Wind River mountain range. The two ends of the dwelling were the living areas for the Tyndale’s and Callahan’s. All the space between was dedicated to the hospitality side of the ranch. Four guest rooms were on the upper level, for the visitors who elected not to stay in one of the smaller cabins scattered through the ranch. Downstairs contained the front desk, several offices, the commercial size kitchen, dining room, conference room and game room.
Whispering Winds Ranch was in her blood. She loved this place and couldn’t imagine a life outside of it. Her parents had thought her capricious when she’d insisted on going to college only to return a few months later. The truth was, it took going away to make her realize how much the ranch meant to her. Her parent’s had put her in charge of guest relations and she loved her role. Not only did she always get to meet new and interesting people, but she also got to share her love of this land with these people. It was her responsibility to showcase all Whispering Winds had to offer and give each guest their best experience possible.
Granted, it wasn’t always easy. Last year Mr. Sampson and his wife arrived with their two spoiled children; a grumpier, more demanding family she had never met. Or when Mrs. Whittle insisted her dog have his own room. Not to mention fixing the mistakes she’d made along the way. When her parents first gave her control of guest relations, she’d fouled up big-time. Her parents told her she needed to shape up or lose her position. It took some time to adjust to the responsibility, but that was the one area of her life she did well now. Except when she double-booked that room for the U.S. Congresswoman. If Jase hadn’t intervened, well, she didn’t want to think what her parents would have done. Looking back, she still didn’t know where she had messed up, but she promised herself it wouldn’t happen again.
Inside her office, she put the last touches
on the welcome packets. The season was still early and, even with today’s new arrivals, they wouldn’t be at full capacity. By the reservations already made, this summer looked promising though. She’d convinced her parents to invest in a new computer system that stream-lined the reservation process, but also gave them more exposure on the internet. Just in its first week, they’d seen an increase to their website. Her inner-child really wanted to go up to her dad and say “I told you I can do something right.” She sighed and leaned back in her chair. One day she’d find a way to make her dad proud of her.
A knock on her door was a welcome interruption.
“Good morning, sister,” Lanie Callahan greeted her. “Tell me it’s true. Did my brother and you really run off and get married?”
“We didn’t exactly run off, but yes,” Allie confirmed. “How’d you hear? We’ve only told our parents so far.” Some people had probably assumed something was going on if they saw Allie coming and going from Jase’s cabin, but overall nothing had been said.
“Our moms were talking and didn’t realize I’d walked in the room. By the time they saw me, I heard enough to figure it out, but they wouldn’t give me details. So come on girl, tell me what happened,” she demanded lightheartedly.
Lanie’s laughter was contagious. She was Jase’s older sister and, although she hadn’t been close with her as a child, they’d become good friends since Lanie returned to the Whispering Winds after an ugly divorce.
“There’s not much to tell. We were in Vegas with Missy and Charlie, decided we wanted to get married, so we got married,” Allie told her.
“Oh there’s more than that. I see the sparkle in your eye and you’re practically glowing. I’d wager you haven’t had to turn the heater on yet in that cabin,” Lanie insisted. “On second thought, eww, I don’t want to know- for a minute I forgot your new husband is my brother,” she squealed through laughter.
The blush crept up Allie’s neck. Nothing had happened since the night they married, but the memories still made her flush. Or maybe it was the growing desire she had for him raising her body temperature.
“I was a newlywed once,” Lanie said. “No need to be embarrassed. I’m happy for you guys. If ever two people were meant to be together, it was you and Jase.”
Hadn’t Missy said those exact words back at the hotel? Maybe someone should clue Jase into that. “Where’s Cody today?” Allie asked, changing the subject.
“With his dad. There’s no school Monday, so he’s spending the weekend in Rawlins. Jeremy picked him up last night.”
“How’s that going?” Allie questioned with genuine concern.
“It’s getting better. Jeremy actually had the idea to spend the weekend with Cody, believe it or not.”
“That’s good. Cody must’ve been ecstatic to see him.”
“Yes, but I worry about the hero-worship he has toward his dad. Cody sees him through rose-colored glasses: his dad the rodeo star. I just hope Jeremy doesn’t let him down. I can’t make his excuses forever.”
“So what will you do with your childless weekend?”
Now it was Lanie’s turn to blush. “I have a date,” she confided sheepishly.
“Lanie! How could you been in here for ten whole minutes and not tell me this!” Allie put her hands on her hips and gave Lanie the sternest look she could conjure, before grinning from ear to ear.
“Excuse me, but a secret marriage takes priority over a measly date,” Lanie defended herself, smiling.
“Who’s the lucky man?”
“Clayton Holmes.”
“Wait, the Clayton Holmes who hit your truck last week and you swore was ‘the most pompous jerk-face in the state of Wyoming?’ How’d you go from that to a date?”
“He stopped by Wednesday, to make sure everything was good with the insurance claim and to ask if he could help in anyway. We got to talking and he apologized for his behavior that day; especially since it was his fault. One thing led to another and he asked me out. Everyone deserves a second chance,” Lanie said.
“That’s right,” Allie agreed. Goodness knew she’d had plenty of second chances in her life. “I hate to cut this short, but I have to get these out to the front desk and check on some things before people start arriving.”
“I have to go too. The Anderson’s signed up for a trail ride and I’m leading it.”
“Have fun tonight. I better hear about it tomorrow,” Allie said.
“Of course,” Lanie replied with a wink. “Have a good one,” she said and left the room.
A few hours later, Allie had all the new guests check-in and registered. Her patience was tried when she had to remain calm and tell Mr. Jensen that all rooms were no smoking. He’d deliberately defied her and lit one up in his room. The smell lingered through the halls and he’d gotten an attitude with her when she confronted him about the breach of rules. All guests were indulged as much as possible, but the no-smoking rule was non-negotiable. For the safety of all guests and their surroundings, smoking was only allowed in designated areas outside.
At a good stopping point, she went to the dining room for lunch. During the week, almost everyone joined together at the tables for a group lunch, but, on weekends, Cook set out a buffet style meal so people could come and go as they pleased. She bypassed the hot foods and grabbed several sandwiches. Jase had been on her mind all morning, and she decided to surprise him by taking lunch out. With any luck, seeing him now would get him out of her mind for the rest of the afternoon so she could regain focus.
***
Lightning had a good morning. By next week, Jase was confident he’d be able to take him out of the arena and onto a trail, putting his training to a real test. He’d untacked him and was brushing his sleek chestnut coat. Many a horse had caught his eye, but there was something about this one that called out to him, begged him to give him a chance. He’d prove to his father that purchasing Lightning was a good decision. With the grooming done, he led the stallion back to his stall and Lightning whinnied.
“I know, boy, you’d rather be outside too.” He stroked the horse’s mane. “I feel your pain; but once you start cooperating more, you’ll be allowed out to pasture with the others.”
Too bad he couldn’t stay out all day; he really did sympathize with Lightning, but he’d been putting off the administrative tasks all week. The stable exit was only a few feet away when someone blocked his path. Stifling a groan, he tried to move around Lexie, but the fake blond was quick and determined.
“What’s wrong cowboy? Aren’t you glad to see me?” she purred, her overly exposed breasts heaving.
“Don’t you have some task in the house?” he asked, trying hard to keep calm. Of all the people he didn’t want to see, Lexie was at the top of his list. His patience was worn through with her unwanted advances. Her desperation sickened him and every time she laid one of those ridiculously manicured nails on him, he wanted to cringe. Whoever heard of jewels glued on nails, especially working out here? Completely ridiculous and a waste of good money.
“My work’s all done for the day. I thought maybe I’d come out here and keep you some company,” she said, in what he assumed was supposed to be a seductive tone.
“I was just on my way out. Have a good day,” he told her, tipping his hat and taking his leave.
Before he made it out, she grabbed his arm, catching him by surprise and spun him around.
“What the hell are you doing?” he snapped, finally losing his cool.
“This,” she breathed and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her mouth to his. Her breath smelled of alcohol and mint, like she’d just used mouthwash. His stomach churned and he reached to push her away.
“Get your lips off my husband,” a voice bellowed before Jase could yell himself.
“Your what?” Lexie released him like a hot coal and backed away.
“You heard me. My husband. And if you still want a job Ms. Daniels, I suggest you get back to the lodge and finish your work immediat
ely. Mrs. Allen informed this morning her linens need to be refreshed. Please take care of that and see to your given tasks before pawing someone’s spouse,” Allie barked. Her eyes darkened, flashing with anger.
“I...I’m sorry Ms. Tyndale,” Lexie stammered. “I had no idea.”
Allie continued glowering, standing with her arms crossed. “Just go,” she spat out.
Lexie scurried out the door, her head hung in shame, looking properly chastised.
“Thanks for the rescue,” he said, still partially shocked by what just happened.
“I can’t believe you. Three months, Jase, that’s all I asked. You couldn’t even last two weeks before sneaking off with some floozy,” Allie yelled.
“You asked a hell of a lot more than that,” he growled, taken aback by her accusations. Of all the times she’d ticked him off over the years, this about took the cake. It was more infuriating then calling their marriage a mistake; this time she attacked his honor. A headache was forming- a headache by the name of Allie.
“How are we supposed to project a real marriage if you’re in here kissing whatever tramp passes through? Where else would it have led?” Allie spoke bitterly, her arms uncrossing and flying upward, ignoring his defense.
“If you would stop shouting for one second and think you would realize it’s not what you’re imagining it to be.”
“I guess that will give us an easy out for when the three months is up,” she continued, still disregarding anything he said. “Picture the headlines of the gossip column- ‘Perfect Jase Callahan finally screws up- ruins marriage.’ Forget dinner- you can go find Lexie Pouty Lips if you want company. And here’s your lunch,” she finished, throwing a sandwich at him.
Enough was enough. Their eyes met and he refused to flinch under her glare. He took hold of her arms and brought them back down to her side. His thumb and forefinger encircled her wrists, holding them in place. Her reaction to his touch was evident and the fight was leaving her, but he’d have his say.
His Heart to Have (Cowboys of Whispering Winds) Page 4
