by Judy Duarte
Apparently, Nick had seen clear through him. But then again, he always had.
“It’s just a woman I’m seeing. I’m not sure where it’s going yet.”
“Sounds like she could complicate your life—hopefully, in a nice way.”
Jeremy merely smiled.
She already had.
When Jeremy got to Kirsten’s house on Friday night, he knew he was arriving a little earlier than the time they’d agreed upon. So he had a feeling she might not be ready to go.
But he hadn’t expected her to be gone.
“She went to the grocery store to pick up formula and disposable diapers,” Max said, stepping aside to let Jeremy into the living room. “She shouldn’t be too long.”
Jeremy tried to read the younger man’s expression, but wasn’t having much luck. Still, he didn’t seem to be as irritable this evening as he’d been on other occasions.
Deciding to tell him what he’d been up to—and what was on his mind—Jeremy said, “I’m not sure if you found a job yet, but I know of a ranch that’s looking for a hand. Is that something you’d be interested in doing?”
Whatever had masked Max’s expression earlier slipped away, leaving him wide-open and easy to read now, as surprise and disbelief washed over him and hope flickered in his eyes. “Sure, I’d really like working on a ranch.”
“It’s out on the Double Crown,” Jeremy said, “which is a great place for you to get some training and experience. That is, if you want to learn and are willing to work hard.”
“Are you kidding? The Double Crown is hiring?”
Well, they weren’t actually looking for ranch hands.
But knowing that Max had enjoyed his work at the feed store and that he had experience working with feed and grain, as well as animals and supplies, Jeremy had taken a gamble.
He’d also decided to trust that Kirsten’s instincts about her brother had been right. So after first talking it over with Lily and getting her okay, he’d gone to see Ruben Perez, the foreman. They’d both agreed to take a chance on Max—as a favor to Jeremy.
Noticing Jeremy’s hesitant expression, Max, who’d brightened at first, stiffened and reeled in his initial excitement. “I don’t need a handout.”
“I’m sure you don’t. But I’d heard you enjoyed working at the feed lot. I just assumed working on a ranch might be something you’d be interested in.”
Max paused briefly, clearly stewing over the possibility, then said, “I would like it. But why are you trying to help me?”
“I’m not, I guess. The ranch needs a good hand. And you’re looking for a job. I just thought it might be a win-win for both of us. But it’s not a big deal.”
Max thought about it a moment, then softened. “Actually, it’s a really big deal. And I’d like to apply—if they’re accepting applications.”
“It hasn’t even gone that far yet,” Jeremy said. “When I heard about the opening, I put in a good word for you.
It’s yours if you want it.”
Max furrowed his brow, then cocked his head to the side as if stumped at how to react. Finally, he said, “Thanks. I really appreciate that.”
Jeremy had called in a favor, but that was as far as it would go. From here on out, Max would need to prove himself. “You won’t let me down, will you?”
“Absolutely not.” Max, who was still clearly reeling from the news, slowly shook his head in awe.
Just watching the transformation in his attitude had been worth Jeremy’s efforts.
“Wow,” Max said, as he raked a hand through his light brown hair and blew out a sigh. “This is so cool. It’s hard to wrap my mind around it. Things like this just don’t happen to me.”
“Maybe your luck has turned. And now all you have to do is your part.”
“Oh, I will,” Max said. “You can count on that.”
“There’s just one thing,” Jeremy added. “What’s that?”
“The position is only part-time and temporary to begin with, but it could work into something permanent.”
“That’s okay,” Max said. “I’ll work my ass off to prove to them—and to you—that I deserve a full-time position. I’d do anything to work on a ranch like that one.”
“Anything?” Jeremy asked.
“Absolutely.”
A slow smile stretched across Jeremy’s face. “I’m glad to hear that.”
“Why? What’s the catch?”
“Because I heard that you don’t have a high school diploma, and one of the Double Crown job requirements will be to enroll in an adult education program. There’s one in Red Rock that offers a GED program, but they also have classes in animal husbandry. There’s a lot to learn when working on a ranch—and the Double Crown is looking for experienced hands and prefers to offer them long-term employment. But they’re willing to give a hardworking, dedicated guy a try.”
“I don’t know about school, though.” Max glanced down at the scuffed toes of his shoes and scrunched his face. When he looked up at Jeremy, apprehension peered through his eyes, revealing a frightened little boy who’d been hurt and disappointed time and again. “I mean, I’ll sign up and all. That’s not the problem. It’s just that I’m not sure how good I’ll do. I’ve never liked sitting at a desk in a classroom, mostly because I’ve probably got attention deficit disorder or something that never got diagnosed. But I’ll definitely give it my best shot.”
“That’s all that matters, Max. You just need to do your best.”
The younger man seemed to give that some thought, but only for a beat. “Okay. When do I start?”
“I’d like to pick you up tomorrow morning and drive you out to the Double Crown so I can introduce you to Ruben Perez, your boss. And he can give you a job description and let you know when he wants you to work.
Then on Monday morning, you can register for classes.”
He’d also looked into the day care his brother had recommended and found out it had a sliding scale fee structure, but he’d bring that up later.
“Wow,” Max said again. “This is too awesome for words. I don’t know how to thank you, Dr. Fortune.”
“First of all, just do your best—on the ranch and in the classroom. And secondly, don’t call me Doctor. I’m Jeremy to you.”
Max tossed him a crooked grin, clearly humbled and pleased.
“There’s one last thing,” Jeremy added. “I hope you take this in the spirit in which its given—I want you to be respectful of your sister, even if you think she’s wrong or off base.”
Max reached out his hand. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”
As they shook on it, something told Jeremy that Max was going to be a whole lot more pleasant to be around from now on, and that Kirsten was in for a big surprise when she saw the metamorphosis.
“You know,” Max said, “I’ve got to tell you something.
I love my sister—I really do. And I don’t mean to be disrespectful. She’s helped me out a lot over the years, but I beat myself up all the time about a lot of the dumb things I’ve done in the past, and when she starts in on me… Well, it makes me feel like a stupid little kid.” He glanced at the portable crib, where Anthony slept. “And now that I’m a father… Damn. It really scares the crap out of me when I think about letting my son down—like my old man did to me.”
“Sometimes an honest chat about what’s really going on can help a lot,” Jeremy said.
“You’re probably right.” Max pointed to the sofa. “Why don’t you sit down. I’m not sure what’s keeping Kirsten, but I’m sure she’ll be here soon.”
As Jeremy settled into his seat, Max said, “I need to apologize to you. I was kind of a jerk when we first met, and I’m sorry about that.”
Jeremy could have brushed it off and made it easy on him, but maybe it was best if Max thought twice about the way he treated people in the future. “I figured you didn’t want your sister to have a…” What? A boyfriend? A date? “…another guy in her life.”
&
nbsp; “It’s not that. It’s just that…” Max took a deep breath, as if needing a shot of oxygen to give him the right words or the strength to admit he’d screwed up. “I was upset that you were a doctor.”
Most family members—or at least parents—liked the idea of their kids either becoming or dating professionals, especially doctors. So he asked, “Why would that bother you?”
“Because I was afraid you would make me look even worse in her eyes. And maybe even in my own.”
Jeremy tossed the man a smile. “I’m thinking pretty highly of you right now, Max. It’s not easy owning up to your mistakes.”
“Thanks for not holding that against me. And for the record, it’s fine with me if you’re dating my sister.”
“I appreciate that.” It was going to be a whole lot easier for all of them if Max gave them his seal of approval.
Of course, Jeremy wasn’t so sure what their relationship was or where it was going.
All he knew was that he was really looking forward to this evening—and that what he had planned for this particular date was going to be one for the record books.
Chapter Seven
When Kirsten arrived home from the grocery store and spotted Jeremy’s car parked in front of her house, she quickly pulled into the driveway and reached for the reusable grocery totes that contained the formula and diapers.
Max had forgotten to pick up the baby necessities earlier, but since Anthony had been fussy and had just dozed off in Max’s arms, Kirsten offered to make a quick run to the market.
She’d thought that she could get to the store and back with plenty of time to spare, but there’d been an unexpected detour on Lone Star Parkway that took her a mile out of her way in bumper-to-bumper traffic. And when she’d finally picked up the items she’d needed, as luck would have it, there was only one check-out lane open.
Fortunately, she was ready for their date. Jeremy had told her to dress warmly, so she only needed to grab a sweater.
Trouble was, she didn’t like the idea that Max had been the one to greet and chat with Jeremy until she got home, finding it more than a little worrisome.
Max had been a lot mellower after she’d given him a piece of her mind and had gone shopping yesterday.
But that didn’t necessarily mean anything. He clearly had taken issue with Jeremy, although Kirsten couldn’t imagine why.
So who knew what her brother might have said to him while they were alone?
After locking the car, she let herself into the house and found Jeremy and Max seated on the sofa. A lazy grin stretched across Jeremy’s face, and one arm was resting along the back of the cushions, as though he was comfortable and at ease.
He was also wearing a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt—had he forgotten they had a date tonight?
She supposed it didn’t matter. After all, he was here, wasn’t he?
“I’m sorry I’m late,” she said. “But everyone in Red Rock seemed to be at the market this evening, and I had to wait in line for a long time.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Jeremy said, as he got to his feet and took the grocery bags from her. “It gave your brother and me a chance to get to know each other a little better.”
“That’s good.” Kirsten’s gaze bounced from Jeremy’s smiling face to her brother’s.
Ever since she’d gotten home from that shopping trip yesterday, Max had been pretty solemn and pensive. But at least he hadn’t been disagreeable and snappish, which had become his habit.
She wasn’t sure if Jeremy had anything to do with Max’s upbeat mood or if putting her foot down and setting some boundaries had done the trick. Either way, she would count herself lucky.
“I’ll put this stuff away for you,” Jeremy said.
“No, let me get that.” Max sprang to his feet and took the bags, then went to the kitchen, leaving Kirsten and Jeremy facing each other.
She couldn’t help taking a good, hard look at him and coming to the star-struck conclusion that he was drop-dead gorgeous no matter what he wore—a lab coat, slacks and a sports jacket…
Or jeans and a sweatshirt.
She glanced down at the new black pants and the pink blouse she’d purchased yesterday. Was she overdressed?
When she glanced back up and caught his gaze, she asked “Should I change my clothes?”
“I suppose I should have said ‘casual’ when I said to wear something warm. You look great, but you might be more comfortable in a pair of jeans—if you have them.”
She had no idea where he planned to take her—only that it was a surprise. But what the heck. She was a good sport and looked forward to spending time with him, no matter what he had in mind. “Sure. Will you give me a minute?”
“Take as long as you need.”
She started toward her bedroom, then stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going? Or do I have to wait until we get there?”
“I may as well tell you now.” Jeremy tossed her a crooked grin. “There’s a new ice rink in town, and I thought it might be fun to give it a whirl.”
Ice skating?
She wouldn’t have thought that he would take her to a place like that in a million years, although, if truth be told, she would have gone with him anywhere, even if it was to the Laundromat to watch other people’s clothes go round and round in a dryer.
And it did sound like fun.
She tossed him a schoolgirl grin. “I’ll be back in a flash.”
As she dashed to her room, she planned to throw a sweater on over her blouse, slip into a comfy pair of jeans, grab a thick pair of socks, brush her hair and add a bit of lipstick. But she wouldn’t take long.
She was seeing a side to the doctor she hadn’t expected to see—an exciting side of the man that turned her heart on end.
And she couldn’t wait to get their date under way.
They arrived at the rink a little past seven that evening, and after renting skates, they started out on the ice.
Kirsten had had a pair of in-line skates as a kid and knew the basics. She’d also gone to the ice rink in San Antonio when she was a teenager, so she wasn’t a novice. But she’d forgotten how difficult it was to balance.
After an hour or so, it seemed to be coming back to her. She was moving faster and feeling less apprehensive about falling.
As she zipped around the rink, she found herself smiling and laughing like a kid again.
What surprised her was how good Jeremy was. For the most part, he skated along beside her, but every once in a while, he’d take off and get a little tricky on the ice, going so far as to skate backward.
As he came up beside her again, she asked, “Where did you learn how to do that?”
“When I was in high school, I dated a girl who was a figure skater.”
She wasn’t sure why that surprised her. There had to be a lot of things about Jeremy that she didn’t know. A lot she’d like to know.
“Her parents had wanted her to compete and maybe go to the winter Olympics,” he added, “and while she wasn’t as enthusiastic about the idea as they were, we used to hang out at the rink a lot.”
“What happened?” she asked. “How did you two split up?”
“We went off to different colleges and drifted apart. I heard that she married a guy who later became a deputy district attorney in the Los Angeles area, and I went on to medical school.”
Kirsten wondered about his other dates, the other women he’d kissed, the ones he’d made love with. But it wasn’t her place to ask. And even if it was, she wasn’t sure she wanted to know those kinds of details. She’d rather think that their relationship was a first of its kind for both of them.
It certainly held that kind of magic for her.
The lively music that had been playing in the background came to an end, and one of the rink employees used the speaker system to announce, “Clear the floor. It’s time for couples only.”
Kirsten slowed and reached for the side ra
il, planning to leave the ice.
“We don’t need to go,” Jeremy said, as he spun around to face her and reached out to her. “Come on. Let’s show these kids how it’s done.”
Her heart clamored in her chest, urging her on, as she took hold of his hand. “I’m not sure about this. I’m doing okay as long as I stick close to the railing and go slow and easy.”
“Don’t be afraid.” The timbre of his voice, the confidence in his tone, the way his gaze latched on to hers, reached deep into the heart of her, bolstering her confidence. And in the blink of an eye, she realized that she wouldn’t be afraid to face anything, as long as he was by her side.
As the rink slowly cleared of those skating solo, leaving only the ones who’d paired up, the lights lowered. Multicolored bulbs kicked on in the corners, and a love song began to play, casting a romantic aura over the ice.
Kirsten thought they would go hand in hand around the rink, like some of the other skaters, but apparently, Jeremy had other ideas, as he took her in his arms.
“Hold on to me,” he said, “And follow my lead.”
Right this moment, she couldn’t imagine being anywhere else than in his arms, zipping along on the ice and gazing in his eyes.
He made it all sound so easy—the skate dancing, being together. Leaning on each other.
And God only knew how badly she wanted it to be easy. But she wanted more than that, too. She wanted what she’d found in his arms, in his gaze, in his presence, to last.
Was she getting in too deep?
Or was Jeremy feeling the same way?
As he skated around the ice with Kirsten, Jeremy felt like a kid again—happy and carefree.
He hadn’t done anything like this since he’d been in high school, and he hadn’t realized just what he was missing.
Or was being with Kirsten what had made this evening so special? Was she the part that he’d been missing?
It was beginning to feel that way.
When the couples-only song was over and the lights went on, Jeremy continued to skate dance with Kirsten until the rink grew too crowded to maneuver easily.
