This was how Jessie spent her private time, reading her old schoolbooks. She’d missed a lot when she had stayed home to take care of her sick mother who had been bedridden during her last pregnancy. Since her daddy had to work the farm, Jessie had to care for her mother. That was, until the authorities had ordered Jessie back to school. But she had already missed too much class time and they had placed her back a grade.
Jessie was so ashamed. Her mother had tried to help her catch up with her studies, but Jessie had lost her enthusiasm. When Katie was born, her mother’s complications worsened. A month later, Emily Burke died. And Jessie’s family needed her at home.
Her daddy had gone into a depression, finding comfort in a whiskey bottle, barely able to keep the farm going. What with their having a new baby in the household, the welfare people were on their doorstep, threatening to place the younger kids in foster homes. By then, Jessie had turned sixteen. School was the last thing on her mind. She had quit and never looked back.
Until a few years ago. Jessie glanced out the window toward the open field as more memories flooded back.
She had started seeing a boy she’d gone to school with, Tommy Anderson. He had come home from college for the summer and had let Jessie know that he wanted to spend it with her. She was so excited. Although she’d already been nineteen for six months, this had actually been the first time she’d ever gone out on a date.
With Mac old enough to watch Katie, she could leave for a few hours. But still, Walter Burke didn’t like her being gone, especially since his tractor accident that past year had left him confined to a wheelchair.
Jessie had always met Tommy at the service road so her daddy wouldn’t chase him off, and she’d also been a little ashamed of how run-down the farm had been looking since her mother’s death.
She’d never questioned why their dates were long drives, usually ending up in another town where they’d eat hamburgers. Tommy had never taken her to any of the popular hangouts in Durant. But Jessie was too happy to believe there could be anything wrong, especially when Tommy kissed her. But the kisses got more and more demanding, and his hands started roaming places that she didn’t want them.
One night, Tommy pulled his daddy’s big car into a grove of trees off the service road, and what started out with a kiss, quickly became a wrestling match. Jessie ended up pressed against the front seat with Tommy trying to remove her clothes.
It was a struggle but she managed to fight him off, only to find out the only reason he’d asked her out was to have sex.
She still remembered his words, words she could never forget. “Why do you think I’d be hanging around with a school dropout like you?” Tommy sneared, his grip on her arms tightened. “I only want one thing from you, Jessie Burke. To get that hot, sexy body of yours...”
Jessie didn’t have to hear any more. Humiliated, she’d scrambled out of the car and run to the house. The last she had heard of Tommy Anderson was his car tires screeching along the gravel road.
Jessie had cried herself to sleep that night, swearing she would never let anyone hurt her like that again. She’d kept herself close to the farm ever since, the only place she’d truly felt safe, the only place she’d belonged.
Jessie brushed a tear from her cheek. She was glad the memories were still painful so she would never forget the lesson she’d learned that night. She had to remember where she belonged and that her lack of schooling had held her back—would always hold her back. But her brothers and sister were going to have more. She’d promised her mother before she died that she would make sure the kids were raised together and were educated. God knew she had tried her best. She had spent the past eight years preaching the importance of a high school diploma.
She never wanted her brothers and sister to suffer the humiliation of not fitting in. An education guaranteed a chance at a better life. A chance Jessie knew she would never have.
* * *
A big grin split Brett’s face when he saw the parade of trucks coming off the main highway. He checked his watch and was amazed at what good time they had made from Dallas. He frowned until they safely negotiated past Jessie’s vegetable garden and began down the new gravel road. Brett sighed. It was going to happen. He was going to start drilling his first well.
Marcus walked up beside him. “Looks like we’re going to be busy for a while.”
Brett smiled again. “I know, isn’t it great?”
Marcus laughed and slapped Brett on the back. “Aye, mate. If you say so.”
Brett ignored the geologist as he watched the long truck that was pulling into the clearing. Already the field trailer had been set up, and Brett planned to live in it for the duration of the drilling. But first they had the task of raising the hundred-foot rig to get it operational, before he would worry about where he slept.
However, before he could get things started, he saw Jessie Burke hurrying up the new road, her arms pumping hard as her long shapely legs ate up the distance. Today, he noticed she was wearing a pair of jeans that showed off the fact that she was very much a woman. His gaze moved to the angry expression on her face. Trouble. She wasn’t here to welcome him to the neighborhood.
“Mr. Murdock,” she said as she stood in front of him, placing her hands on her hips.
“What is it, Jessie?” Brett took hold of her arm in hopes of steering her away from the crew’s curious looks.
She immediately jerked away and adjusted the silly floppy hat that fell over her eyes. “I thought you built a road so there wouldn’t be any more trouble with your trucks driving over my flowers and vegetables.”
“We did,” Brett agreed.
She folded her arms across her chest. “Then why did several of the drivers decide to run over my roses?”
Brett groaned. “Oh, Jessie, I’m sorry. I told all the drivers specifically to be careful around your garden. Is there much damage?”
Jessie’s anger began to fade at the concern Brett showed. There really wasn’t that much damage, she was just tired of the heavy traffic crossing Burke land. “I only lost a few bushes, but they were my mother’s...”
“I understand,” Brett said as his hand moved to her back, reassuring her that he would take care of everything. “Something like that is always special. I’ll send one of the men to the main road to make sure the trucks take more care when they come off the highway.” He started her back to the road. “Jessie, I want you and the kids to stay clear of the site for a few days. This isn’t a playground. It’s dangerous. I’ve already talked with Mac...”
Jessie wasn’t paying much attention to Brett’s words, it was his eyes that had her staring. She had never seen such a rich blue. Her gaze went to his mouth and the smile that showed off his straight white teeth.
“I wouldn’t want anything to happen to you...or Josh or Katie. But if you need me for anything...” He paused and pulled a card out of his pocket and wrote down a number. “Call me on the phone. We’re hooked up in the trailer. If I’m not there, just leave a message. We check the machine every hour or so. Then when everything gets set up, I’ll bring the family here and show it off to everyone.”
All Jessie could do was nod as she started down the road toward the house, then the strangest thing happened. She turned around to find Brett still watching her and her heart did a jolt. “Uh, Mr. Murdock, if you’re not too busy, we’ll be having supper ‘bout six.” She glanced past him to find Marcus. “Kindly relay the invitation to Mr. Braden.”
“Thank you, Jessie. I’ll work doubly hard now for the chance for one of your meals. But you have to make me a promise.”
She wrinkled her forehead.
“You have to call me Brett, and Mr. Braden is Marcus.” His blue eyes locked with hers. “Say my name, Jessie.”
“Brett...” Her lungs had long ago run out of air.
He smiled. “Good, I hate your calling me mister. That’s how I can tell when you’re angry with me.”
Jessie didn’t trust herself to say m
uch, he already had her tongue-tied. “Usually...I have been.”
Brett stepped closer and she fought to keep from backing up. “I hope that’s in the past,” he said in a husky voice. “I’m going to be around a lot, I’d like us to be...friendly.”
Jessie glanced away, trying hard to bring her senses under control. She never let men get to her, she’d never had the time, or the desire to think about anything but her family. And she wasn’t about to start now. As far she was concerned, Brett Murdock was exactly what the lawyer had said he was, a business associate.
“Supper’s at six.” She turned quickly and marched off toward the house.
* * *
Two hours later, Jessie’s forehead was beaded with sweat as she turned the chicken pieces in the big cast-iron skillet. Suddenly, the water from the potato pot boiled over, and she quickly reached for the handle, burning her hand.
“Blast it!” she cried as she cradled her wounded palm and rushed to the sink, sticking her hand under cool water. A tired sigh was released when she looked back at the disaster on the stove.
“Anyone home?” Hatty called out as she came in the door. The older woman immediately fanned herself. “Lordy, this place is hotter than Hades.” She went to the stove, grabbed a pot holder and removed the potatoes to another burner. She checked the green beans and turned down the fire beneath them. “Didn’t you listen to the weather report this morning?”
“I have to cook supper tonight,” Jessie answered as her friend examined her burn.
“Some cold ham and salad would do just as nice on a day like today.” She covered the frying chicken with a lid. “The kids won’t starve.”
Jessie shook her head. “Brett and Marcus are coming for supper.” Shutting off the faucet, she dabbed her wound with a towel. “I didn’t know it would be this hot.”
Hatty’s eyes lit up with interest. “Well, maybe I can help,” she offered, pulling off her straw hat and laying it on the counter. “I’ll set the table in the dining room. It’s always been cooler in there, especially with a slight breeze from the bay windows.” She marched into the other room and Jessie hurried after her.
“Wait, Hatty. This isn’t going to be fancy, just an evening meal. They’ve probably worked all day without lunch and I haven’t exactly been...neighborly.”
Smiling, Hatty patted Jessie’s hand. “I know this has been hard on you, but you’ll see, everything is going to work out with the well. I’ll get out the lace tablecloth.” She paused and looked over the big walnut table that could easily seat a dozen. Unlike the kitchen table, there weren’t any marks or scratches on this furniture. It had belonged to Jessie’s grandmother and had been only used on special occasions. “And china,” Hatty added.
Jessie’s head jerked around. “We can’t use Mama’s good china.”
“And why not?” Hatty challenged. “It’s just been sitting around in this hutch for years. I don’t think it’s been used since her death. Emily wouldn’t like that. She loved having people over, and she’d be real happy you’re welcoming Brett and Marcus tonight.” She waved her hands. “Now you go upstairs, child, and put on something cool and pretty. I’ll set the table.”
Jessie climbed the staircase, hearing Hatty humming happily while she worked. This was getting out of hand. What had been a simple supper invite was turning into a fancy dinner in the dining room. The last thing she wanted Brett Murdock to think was that she was interested in anything else but just being neighborly.
* * *
“This is the best chook I’ve ever tasted,” Marcus commented before diving into the third helping of chicken on his plate.
“Thank you.” Jessie smiled as she glanced at the group around the big table. Everyone was busy eating, including Brett who was seated at the opposite end across from Mac. Next to him sat Katie dressed in her Sunday best, her neatly brushed hair held back with colorful barrettes that Hatty had given her for Easter. Jessie’s gaze moved to Josh, who had also made an effort to clean up for the evening meal. He had been talking nonstop with Marcus since the minute they’d both sat down.
Marcus’s attention was elsewhere. The middle-aged geologist had eyes only for Hatty, who sat directly across from him. Her friend had stayed and helped with dinner, then returned home and changed into a colorful sundress. She had taken great care with tidying her bun, even adding a sprig of wildflowers. Her efforts seemed to have worked, seeing the looks Hatty had been getting from Marcus.
Jessie, too, had been caught up in the party mood and had changed into a skirt and blouse. When everyone had commented on her clothing, she told them it was because this outfit was cooler than wearing pants.
“This is like a birthday party,” Katie announced as she climbed up on her knees in her chair. “All we need is a cake.”
Everyone chuckled, then Hatty spoke up. “Maybe we don’t have cake but, if you help carry the dishes to the kitchen, I bet I can come up with some apple pie and ice cream.” She stood and Marcus hurried around the table to help with her chair. Jessie was surprised by his action, having never seen her father treat her mother with the same courtesy.
“Allow me to help, Hatty,” Marcus offered.
“Oh, no, Marcus.” Smiling, her eyes met his. “You and Brett are guests. Besides, y’all have been workin’ hard today. The children can help me.”
Katie was already up, but Josh needed a little nudge from Mac as Mac stood up as well. Jessie started to get out of her chair, but the older woman stopped her. “No, dear, you cooked dinner. Let us wait on you for a change. You can keep Brett from getting lonely.” Then Hatty turned to Marcus. “You can come along and keep me company...if you’d like.”
The big man beamed. “Flappin’ gums with a good sort like you... There’s nothing I’d like better.”
It didn’t take long for Jessie to realize what Hatty had planned as she glanced down the table and found herself alone with Brett. She quickly looked away.
Brett bit back a grin. Hatty Jacobs wasn’t the most subtle woman in the world. He looked toward the head of the table, watching as Jessie sat sideways in her chair, nervously poking at the bandage across her hand. She sure as heck didn’t want to be alone with him any more than he wanted to be alone with her.
He leaned back in his chair as his lazy gaze fell on her modest denim skirt, now raised to the top of her knee, exposing what seemed like miles of smooth, shapely calves. His mouth suddenly went dry. He had guessed her long legs were pretty, he’d just never dreamed...
“Is there something wrong?” Jessie’s voice brought him back to reality.
“Oh, no,” he answered quickly and patted his stomach. “Just ate too much good cookin’. I’ll have to run a few more laps to work it off.”
“I would think you get enough exercise in your line of work.”
“There’s a lot of days I’m trapped behind a desk and never see the outside of my office until quitting time.”
Jessie shook her head and stood up. “I couldn’t stand that. I need to be outside.”
Brett’s gaze followed her as she walked to the windows. He was sure he had never seen legs as beautiful as Jessie’s before. She must be a knockout in a pair a shorts, he thought. His gaze traveled over the gentle curve of her hips, her slim waist and full breasts. He groaned inwardly, recalling their first meeting, and his discovery that she was a woman. He couldn’t forget how he had pinned her to the ground, accidentally brushing against her breasts, and the way his body had responded. A man could get lost gazing at her flawless complexion, dark curly hair and inviting eyes. Jessie Burke was one helluva beautiful package.
“You look pretty tonight.” He stood and walked to her.
Jessie’s eyes raised to meet his as a blush crossed her cheeks. “My mother was the pretty one, I’m nothing like her. I’m too tall...too plain.”
Brett wanted to argue with her, but knew she’d never accept his opinion. “Tell me about your mother,” he prompted.
Jessie’s fingers played wit
h the sheer curtain in the window. “Well, her hair was light like Katie’s, and long. She always wore it up. She only took it down at bedtime. That’s when she brushed it, a hundred strokes every night. She said brushing would keep hair healthy and shiny. Mom liked to read. I still have all her books...” Her voice faded off as she looked through the glass.
“What was her name?”
“Emily.”
“A lovely name,” Brett said. “So is Jessie.”
She chewed on her lower lip. “It’s really Jessica. It means...grace of God.”
Brett smiled. “It suits you.”
Jessie’s eyes grew wide. “I guess you’re forgetting I’m the person who shot at you.”
They both began to laugh and Brett found he was becoming too curious about her mouth, her full rosy lips. It made him want to reach out and touch her...kiss her....
Before Brett knew what had happened, he bent his head and brushed his lips against hers. Hearing Jessie’s gasp, he raised his head and gazed into her beautiful blue eyes. Unable to resist, he reclaimed her mouth, with a series of slow, drugging kisses that only teased for more of her sweet taste. Then his lips lingered, savoring the special moment before pulling away.
Jessie’s dark lashes raised slowly and Brett saw the wonder in her eyes. His reaction was much the same. He reached out and touched her cheek.
“Brett!” Katie’s voice woke him from his pleasant fantasy. “You want vanilla ice cream on your pie?”
“Sure, honey,” he answered, jerking his hand away, but never taking his eyes off Jessie.
“Jessie, do you want some?”
She, too, seemed reluctant to lose the connection. “Just a little ice cream, Katie. It’s still too hot for anything else.”
It’s definitely too hot, Brett thought. “I heard it’s going to rain tonight. Maybe it will cool things off.”
Jessie shrugged. “Lately all we’ve been getting is heat lightning. We need rain, buckets of it.”
Brett raised a hand. “Hey, take it easy. We have a derrick to raise. Every day we can’t work we lose money. Lots of money.”
Wildcat Wedding (Wranglers & Lace #2) Page 6
