Tularosa Moon

by Stacey Coverstone

  Upon her approach, Butch and Sundance raced to the fence and stuck their noses through to be petted. She was happy to accommodate.

  “Hi, little fellas.” She smiled, as they nipped and nudged each other in order to gain her attention. “You’re about the cutest things I’ve ever seen.”

  “They like to be loved on,” came a deep, resonating voice behind her.

  Lindy turned to find Dalton grinning at her. “Hi,” he greeted.

  “Hi.” He was the epitome of a true cowboy in his checked shirt, Levis, big belt buckle, dusty boots with spurs, and work-worn cowboy hat.

  Dalton stroked his mustache thoughtfully. “Donkeys crave human attention. Much like people. They’re going to thrive here at the ranch.”

  Lindy nodded in agreement. “The guests are going to love them. Will the people be able to go into the field and play with the donkeys?”

  “I don’t see why not. Maybe we should add more critters and advertise a petting zoo.”

  “Perhaps some goats or sheep. Maybe even a llama or alpaca,” Lindy suggested. “Kids love interacting with animals. Adults, too.”

  “I’ll mention it to Mrs. Roberts. She’s open to any idea that will bring in business.” He hiked his boot onto the lower rung of the fence and rested his elbow on the top. “T.J. gave me the list of names you left with him. Thanks.”

  “You’re welcome. You weren’t in the barn when I stopped by earlier.”

  “Something I deeply regret.” He smiled and leaned closer. “Has anyone told you how pretty your brown eyes are?” His passion-clouded gaze left little doubt as to what was on his mind.

  She struggled not to roll her eyes at his overused pickup line.

  Why did this always happen? It was only her second day at the new job. Rejecting him so soon would hurt his male pride and probably anger him, the same as it had all the others. It was too early to make enemies. She liked it here and wanted to stay as long as possible.

  “What does the first group of guests have to look forward to this coming week?” she asked, attempting to steer the conversation back to business. Seeming amenable to the changing of the topic, Dalton straightened his back and listed the planned activities.

  “Trail rides. Evening campfires. Field trips. Shooting lessons. I’m a member of the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association,” he boasted, with his chest swelling.

  Genuinely curious as to what cowboy mounted shooting was, Lindy wanted to ask, but glanced at her watch and realized she had only fifteen minutes to get to headquarters and wash up and prepare for Ella’s massage. “I’d like to hear more about that later,” she said, “but I have an appointment with Ella. I need to excuse myself, but we’ll talk later, okay?”

  With a twinkle in his eyes, Dalton touched the brim of his hat with his finger and said, “Sure. I’ll hold you to it.”

  She smiled and made a beeline to the house and up the stairs to her room to freshen up. When Ella knocked on the door of the massage room precisely at eleven o’clock, Lindy was composed, calm, and ready. Below the skin, however, her nerves rippled.

  It had been so many years since she’d worked as a masseuse. Back when she was a graduate student was the last time, in fact. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to pull off the charade. The information on her resume had been altered to show her as being certified in New Mexico, as well as two other states. But in actuality, she hadn’t been certified anywhere in nearly ten years. But Ella didn’t know that.

  Since all the telephone numbers listed on Lindy’s resume were patched directly to Griffin’s phone, when Ella had sought a referral and confirmation of her work history, Griffin was the only person giving out information. And he always gave the highest recommendations. Lindy only hoped her lack of practice wouldn’t expose her lie.

  Once Ella was under the sheet and the spa music was softly filling the room, Lindy’s hands began to work their magic. When Ella groaned softly and mumbled something about her fingers working better than Icy Hot, Lindy suppressed a giggle and realized there was nothing for her to fear. She still had the touch.

  When the massage was over and Ella was dressed, she enthusiastically praised Lindy and told her she wanted to pay for every member of her staff to have one complimentary massage. “I think the wranglers will appreciate a rub-down after a long day in the saddle. Plus, they can talk it up with our guests and drum up more business for you.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I’ll make sure the boys know that the guests’ appointments come first. They and Luz can schedule their massages when it’s convenient for you.”

  Stunned by Ella’s generosity, Lindy wondered if a paid massage included her son, Cole. She hadn’t mentioned him by name. Her heart skittered at the thought.

  The two women traipsed downstairs together to discover Cole and Dalton sitting at the dining table with frosty glasses in front of them, chatting with Luz. What a coincidence, Lindy thought.

  “I just had the best massage,” Ella gushed, dragging Lindy with her to the table. “I feel like a limp noodle.”

  “Luz, please get Mrs. Roberts a tall glass of water,” Lindy requested. “It’s important to stay hydrated after a massage,” she explained to Ella.

  “All right.” When Luz handed her a glass of ice water, Ella drank down half of it then said, “Dalton, tell the boys I’m paying for each of you to get a massage from Lindy. You too, Luz. You all can schedule your appointments with her after the guests are checked in tomorrow.”

  Lindy and Cole’s gazes joined. “Do I get one, too, Mom?” he asked, cocking an eyebrow. Lindy held her breath.

  “Of course, son,” Ella replied with a wink that she probably hadn’t intended on Lindy seeing. “What do you two want?” she asked, glancing between him and Dalton.

  “I came to tell you about an idea Jordan had,” Cole began. “I forgot to mention it last night at the staff meeting.” He proceeded to tell Ella about Jordan’s suggestion of hosting weddings in the garden. When he said he’d measured the space and drawn a sketch for the arch he planned to build, he glanced at Lindy. Not wanting to meet his gaze or think about the kiss they’d shared last night, she stepped into the kitchen to pour herself a cold drink.

  “I love it!” Ella exclaimed. “You tell Jordan she and Wyatt can be the first couple to get married here.”

  As Lindy added ice to her lemonade, she wondered who Jordan and Wyatt were. She pulled a chair out and sat next to Luz. Across the table, Cole linked his hands behind his neck and rocked back in his chair so that the two front legs hovered above the floor.

  “Whoa,” he said, when he leaned back too far. Fortunately, he caught himself before the chair tipped over. When his face blushed pink, Lindy couldn’t help but smile.

  “What can I do for you?” Ella questioned Dalton after shaking her head at Cole and his antics.

  “I wanted to let you know I’ve scheduled the farrier to come out next Wednesday to do half the horses’ hooves and Thursday for the other half. That way, we’ll still have enough mounts to use for trail rides each day.”

  “Fine. Thank you, Dalton. Anything else?”

  “No, ma’am. Sandy, T.J. and I are ready for tomorrow. Give me a call on my cell phone when each set of guests arrive, and I’ll come up to introduce myself and give them the schedule of activities for the weekend.”

  “Excellent. Are you planning excursions to Three Rivers and White Oaks?”

  “Yes, ma’am. We’ll be hauling the guests over in the hay wagon. Sandy put air in the tires this morning, so we’re all set.”

  “Good.” Ella set her sights on Lindy. “Did I tell you about Three Rivers and White Oaks yet?”

  “No.”

  Ella didn’t seem surprised. “There’s been so much happening I can’t remember what’s going on from one day to the next, or what I’ve mentioned to you. Three Rivers is an ancient petroglyph site nearby. White Oaks used to be a large mining community, but it’s now a ghost town.”

  “They both sound f
ascinating,” Lindy said. “I’m sure the guests will enjoy them. I know I would.”

  Ella snapped her fingers. “Then you should go and see them. That way, when our guests come to you for a massage and ask for your recommendation on whether they should go on the outings, you can speak from personal experience and encourage them to go.”

  “I agree,” Dalton spoke up. “I’d be glad to be your escort, Lindy. I know White Oaks and Three Rivers like the back of my hand. I’ll show you all around.”

  “I was just about to ask Cole to do that,” Ella said, sending her son a sweet smile. “I was thinking you could go this afternoon. Lindy’s finished for the day.”

  Cole, who had gone back to leaning in his chair, shot forward, which caused the chair feet to scrape against the hardwood floor. “I’ve still got work to do,” he protested.

  Luz chuckled when Ella delivered an eye roll to him.

  “I’m finished for the day, too,” Dalton said. “I’ll be glad to take her, Mrs. Roberts.”

  Ella ignored the wrangler and spoke to her son. “I’m sure your men can do without you for a few hours, Cole. They can keep working.”

  His jaw went slack. “If you want cabin three done in three weeks, I need to spend every minute down there.”

  “Then why are you up here drinking lemonade and goofing off?” Ella challenged, with her chin jutting out.

  “I really don’t mind,” Dalton said again. “In fact, I’d really like to show Lindy the sights.”

  Luz’s large chest jiggled as she tried, but was unsuccessful in holding in giggles.

  Lindy couldn’t believe the banter herself. Embarrassed by Dalton’s gusto and insulted by Cole’s less than enthusiastic reaction, she stood up, drained the contents of her glass, and set it in the sink. “I’d be pleased for you to take me, Dalton,” she said.

  His grin practically exploded on his face at the same time Lindy noted Ella’s frown. She refrained from looking at Cole. Although she was wary about Dalton getting the wrong impression, it was more important not to spend any more time with Cole than she had to. Letting him kiss her last night had been a mistake. Being alone with him for several hours would be an even bigger mistake.

  “Give me a few minutes to get some sunscreen on and grab a bottle of water, and I’ll be ready,” she told Dalton.

  He jumped up from his chair. “I’ll wait for you at the barn. Mine is the red pickup.”

  “Hold on,” Cole said, rising from his chair. “I changed my mind. I’ll take her.”

  Lindy spun around and saw him and Ella share a meaningful look.

  “Great!” Ella slapped her hand on the table and then started down the hallway to her office. “Have fun, you two,” she called over her shoulder.

  “Supper is at six,” Luz said, ducking into the kitchen.

  “Wait a doggone minute,” Dalton said. He stood at the front door grasping the knob. “It’s already set. I’m taking her.” A muscle quivered in his jaw.

  “I said I’ll do it,” Cole replied, shooing the wrangler out the door. “But thanks for the offer.”

  “I’m sorry,” Lindy said weakly to Dalton before he stepped outside and shut the door behind him. The disappointment on his face was obvious.

  When Cole approached her, she fisted her hands on her hips and lowered her voice to a whisper, knowing Luz was listening and probably Ella, too, from down the hall. “I know you’re only doing this for your mom. I don’t know why, but I think she’s trying to push us together.”

  “You think so, do you?” His sarcasm was evident, but she ignored it.

  “Yes, I do. We can go see Three Rivers and White Oaks together this afternoon, but then you need to tell Ella that nothing is going to happen between us. I’m not looking for a relationship, and that kiss never should have happened. Got it?”

  If she didn’t know better, she would have thought she’d hurt Cole’s feelings from the expression that crossed his face. Then he said, “Got it.”

  “Let’s just forget about last night,” she reiterated. “It meant nothing.”

  He drew a deep breath into his lungs and repeated, “I said I got it. I’ll meet you at my truck.”

  Nine

  Cole wasn’t talking on the drive to the petroglyph site, so Lindy remained quiet, too. Staring out the open window at the fields and mountains passing by, she figured he was upset about the comment she’d made about the kiss meaning nothing. But why should he be? One tiny kiss couldn’t have meant anything to him either.

  If that wasn’t the reason for his silence, what else could it be? Perhaps he didn’t like his mother interfering in his personal life, because it was obvious that was exactly what Ella was doing. She’d mentioned Cole had lost a girlfriend in the past six months. Ella probably was doing what any other mother would in that situation—helping to take away her son’s pain by attempting to interest him in the single new girl.

  Or maybe he was annoyed at having to play tour guide since he really did have a lot of work to do. Lindy sighed loudly, thinking it was his own fault he was here. Dalton had generously offered to bring her.

  “What was that sigh for?” Cole asked, surprising her by breaking his silence. She turned to look at his profile and found herself awestruck by the granite set of his clean-shaven jaw.

  “Did I sigh? Sorry. I hadn’t realized. It meant nothing.”

  “Grrr,” he growled. “Just like our kiss. Right?”

  So that was it. “Are you upset about my comment back at headquarters?”

  He stared straight ahead with his hands clasped firmly on the wheel.

  “You are,” she said, twisting in her seat to face him. “I can’t fathom why. We barely know each other. It was a peck between strangers. Nevertheless, I apologize if I hurt your feelings.”

  “You didn’t hurt my feelings,” he grumbled, sliding a quick glance her way.

  “Then what is the problem?”

  After a short pause, he lightly smacked his hand on the steering wheel. “All right. It did hurt my feelings a little bit.”

  Lindy was unable to hold back a smile. The man had a sensitive side, and it was endearing. “Look,” she began gently, “I’m sorry for saying your kiss meant nothing. It was a sweet kiss. But I’m telling you the truth when I say I’m not looking for a romantic relationship. I’d be very happy if we could move on from the kiss and be friends. I like it at the Painted Pony Ranch, and I don’t want there to be any awkwardness between the two of us. I also like your mother. I’m sure she means well, but maybe you should take a stance and not allow her to rush you into finding another girlfriend so soon.”

  Cole’s head snapped toward her. “What do you mean by that? What did my mom tell you?”

  Feeling her face warm with discomfort, Lindy decided honesty was the best policy. “Ella told me you lost not only your father six months ago, but also your girlfriend. I’m very sorry, Cole. The losses must have been devastating for you. I can’t imagine.”

  His jaw dropped. A moment later, Lindy didn’t understand when he began to chuckle. “What’s so funny?” she asked, feeling her heart sink. Had someone pulled a fast one over on her? Had she been the butt of some sick joke? “Why are you laughing?” she repeated when he slapped his hand against the wheel and snorted.

  “Sorry, Lindy,” he said, between wheezes. When at last he calmed, he said, “I did lose my girlfriend, but not in the way you’re thinking. Rachel didn’t die. She’s a nurse, and she left the United States to go to Africa to work with a group called Doctors Without Borders. She chose her career over me.”

  “Oh. I thought…” The sense of embarrassment quickly turned to relief upon realizing the misunderstanding. When Cole reached over and punched her arm lightly, she joined him in a laugh. “I’m certainly glad Rachel didn’t pass away,” she said, meaning it.

  “Thank you.” His mouth tilted in a crooked grin. “I appreciate your concern. Now you can understand why Mom is playing matchmaker. You see, I thought Rachel was the one
. Mom just wants me to be happy.”

  Comprehending fully, Lindy nodded and went, “Mmmm. The one. I get it. And now I’ve come along…” Her words trailed away, and he wagged his head up and down.

  “You’re a pretty, single woman.” He shrugged his broad shoulders. “I guess Mom thought we might hit it off and…you know. She means well. Don’t hold it against her.”

  “Oh, I won’t,” she said hastily, suddenly feeling hot and sticking her head out the window to catch some air on her face.

  “Anyway, I’m not looking to get into another serious relationship, now or anytime in the near future,” Cole promised. “Before Rachel, there was this other woman, Jordan. That didn’t work out either.”

  The name Jordan sounded familiar to Lindy. After scouring her brain, she remembered Jordan was the friend who’d suggested holding weddings at the ranch. “What happened with her?” she dared to ask.

  “She fell for another guy. A much older guy. But hey,” Cole flung one hand in the air, “who am I to question Cupid and where he wants to shoot his damn arrows?”

  “I’m sorry,” she said again, trying not to smile and make light of the situation, despite his joking attitude.

  “I’m fine. Actually, there are a lot of perks to living alone.”

  “Such as?”

  “I don’t have to worry about someone using my razor,” he teased.

  “What else?”

  “It costs half as much when I eat out. And I don’t have to ask permission if I want to get a dog.”

  “Are you getting a dog?”

  “No, but if I wanted to, I wouldn’t have to run it by someone first.” He grinned again and Lindy realized, not for the first time, that his smile shined as bright as a hundred-watt bulb.

  Her gaze flew to the breathtaking desert scenery outside the window again. She knew better than most what true loneliness was. At least Cole had his mother, the ranch, friends, and his dream career. They were important things to be grateful for. If she were lucky, she’d be able to keep this job for a while and feel like part of a family—even if it wasn’t meant to last.