by Holly May
He’d confided in Karen over conversations laced with glasses of wine and food. She understood the trials and intricacies working with financial investments, and while he’d taken comfort in that, he’d never sought more from her. They were colleagues, even as he’d once entertained the thought it could go further. She had been but one piece of his constructed fantasy life.
“I’m not interested in you, Karen. Never was.”
She stepped back as if reeling from a punch, her lips parting. Then she shook her head. “I can see it’s not only the ranch that’s gotten to you.”
“It’s not your business.”
“It used to be.” She jutted her chin defiantly. “And what about New York? If they pass on me, I’d prefer you as CEO than some arrogant stranger.”
As always, she focused on what benefited herself. He gritted his teeth, knowing he wouldn’t spurn his goal because of her. He had to tread carefully. “It’s on my mind.”
A smile pulled at her lips. “This used to be everything that drove you.”
While he didn’t want to reclaim his position, he sure didn’t want Karen taking the reins. She couldn’t handle it. “If you expect me to leave with you tomorrow, I have business to take care of first. I’ll catch a flight myself.”
“As long as I see you again. The office isn’t the same without you.”
Jared tipped his Stetson at her. “Enjoy your stay here.”
Her smile was thin. “I plan to.”
He didn’t look at her twice as she walked out of the barn, her heels sinking into the uneven ground. Now alone, he surveyed the stables, conflicted over his future. Determination settled over him. If he chose to stay in Mountainbrook, Rachel was intent on leaving, and he couldn’t ask her to abandon her dreams for him. He had to get his priorities in order, ascertain exactly what he wanted.
Then he’d make his move.
Chapter Twelve
Rachel didn’t intend to eavesdrop.
But as she passed by one of the occupied rooms on the way to her own, she overheard Jared’s voice. Something compelled her to stop, the notion that he’d seemed troubled the past few days. He wasn’t as upfront with his feelings, not that she expected him to be, and they weren’t dating publically, yet she cared for him.
Enough to risk prying.
“Look, she’s overstayed longer than I thought.”
“You aren’t happy about it?” His father sounded perturbed.
“Don’t know what to feel other than frustration. I’ll catch you later.”
Her jaw slackened. Jared felt that uncomfortable around her? Her shock subsided with a flush of anger. If that’s how he wanted it to be, she’d leave. It didn’t stop the aching pang in her chest, the suffocating sensation that the man she loved couldn’t face being around her.
The door opened. Jared stepped out and glanced up at her. “My father’s getting prepped.” He paused. “How much did you hear?”
She folded her arms. “More than enough.”
He hesitated, and that was enough of an explanation. No, she couldn’t wait around to hear further excuses equivalent to the words Aaron used. She headed for her room and after shoving the last of her clothes into her bag, she faced the door.
Jared leaned against the doorjamb. “Rachel, wait.”
“For what? I know you’d prefer to be in New York. You made that arrangement with Karen. Don’t let me hold you back.” She’d stated the one reminder that they both had acrimonious goals in mind which came between them. It made Jared flinch.
“Her arrival was unexpected.”
“Right.” She smoothed down her hair, not wanting to dwell on the bitter notion that they’d be separating. “And what about us?”
“I want you, but...Remember you wanted to know what I’m afraid of? Well, after Tania, I vowed I had to be deeply certain before I committed. I’m frustrated because I’ve been thinking this over a lot.”
She swallowed. “The fact that you’re uncertain is proof enough.”
He let out a sigh of exasperation. “It’s not that.”
“Forget it, Jared. Why hesitate with what you want?” She shook her head. “This wasn’t going to work. Plain and simple.”
“What we have has been great.”
Her throat went tight. What did she anticipate, for him to admit that he loved her? Not exactly. Clearly this was one sided between them, and it was playing out how she should’ve expected.
“And that’s enough for you?” she asked.
“Yes. It’s way more than enough.”
She drew in a breath and met his steely blue eyes. “You’re right.”
Again, she’d been impulsive and leapt into the situation without thinking of the potential consequences. She thought something had changed within her, but no, she was still afraid, still possessed that same insecurity when it came to love. She’d given herself to Jared and ranching with him had been beneficial to her career, but emotionally detrimental.
She shouldered past him, grimacing from the brief contact of heat. He still made her feel, and she wanted to dislike him for that.
“Wait, I’m not finished. You don’t have to go, Rachel.”
Her heart wrenched. Far as she was concerned, there was nothing more to say yet she couldn’t leave without telling the truth. “I need to because I love you. Goodbye Jared.”
Why didn’t I handle it better?
He shook that thought aside. Besides, he’d tried explaining himself to Rachel, only he’d fumbled with his words – how could he confess his love in a way that sounded right? He needed to show just how much he valued her. But as soon as she’d admitted she loved him and that it was her reason for leaving, he’d been blindsided.
They hadn’t talked in a week, and he thought it was best to let things cool down first. Without a doubt, he was going to contact her and set this all straight, the matter was finding the best way to do it. Hopefully he wouldn’t be too late.
He ignored the traffic moving slowly before him, and after catching sight of the familiar yellow cabs, he pulled out his phone and booked an Uber to Brandon and Green Investments. It was a half hour trip, and the flight from Spokane with a stopover at Salt Lake City had taken eight long hours. It was tempting to kick back and relax at his hotel, since the last thing he wanted to do was go direct to his former workplace in Manhattan.
But he needed to sort this out, not only for himself, but Rachel.
Jared got into the Uber outside JFK Airport and sent a few messages to former colleagues on the drive. He’d dressed casually in a red plaid shirt and jeans, looking completely out of place from his business suit clad associates. A warm welcome wasn’t expected. He recalled that many of his former staff weren’t happy he’d departed abruptly to return home for his father, hence the lack of contact over the years. Since he’d found his faith, they weren’t the type of people he wanted to continue befriending regardless, especially Karen. He knew the reason why she’d kept contacting him, and in a moment of weakness, he’d arranged for her to be Mountainbrook’s photographer.
Did Rachel have any idea how grateful he was to have her instead?
Not that it bruised his ego or pride anymore to admit that he’d been wrong about many things - the major one being how he’d dealt with his feelings for Rachel.
The driver stopped in front of the familiar skyscraper embedded amongst others. Jared took a moment to observe the place he’d dedicated so much of himself to which now didn’t hold the same prominence. He missed the serenity and seclusion of the ranch, something that once would’ve surprised him but it felt right.
After tipping the driver, he got out and headed for the front doors which slid open. The glossy lobby greeted him but he paid little attention as he headed to the reception desk.
The receptionist’s eyes widened in recognition. “Mr Weston. Jack’s expecting you on the twelfth floor.”
“Thanks.” She didn’t seem familiar.
He took the elevator and once the doors o
pened, Jack awaited him in his former office. The desk facing the view of the New York skyline and a glimpse of the Hudson was instantly recognizable, but the memories and the person he once was felt distant.
“Jared, my boy. Good to see you again. We’re thrilled to have you back.” Jack came and clapped him on the shoulder.
Jared forced a smile, aware of Jack’s insincerity. “Brandon and Green Investments meant a lot to me, and it brought me success I once only dreamed of.”
“And we’re still doing well. The position of CEO is wide open for you to have. Couldn’t think of anyone better.”
This was what he once waited for, bypassing time at the ranch until he could return and get back to work. He paused to look out at the city that no longer had much significance.
“I can think of someone. I recommend Karen Wilkins.”
Jack’s brown eyes blinked rapidly. “I…But you’ve taken a flight here. You spent five years creating this company, and you’re just going to throw it away? Pass it off to someone incapable?”
“She can manage it. I came here to tell you in person that I’m staying in Sandpoint, and I’m no longer interested in taking up this position.”
“You gave me no doubt that you’d be back. You put all of this in motion so you’d pick up where you left off.” Jack shook his head. “This is unbelievable.”
“I don’t have the capabilities or the motivation to continue here. Please notify Karen the position is hers, she has my full recommendation.” He smiled, aware of what that entailed.
Jack pursed his lips but finally relented. He offered his hand, and Jared shook it. “Then Karen Wilkins will be CEO. Sorry to see you go, I really am.”
“I appreciate you taking over for me.”
“Yeah, well, you gave me input over the years. This company won’t be the same without you.”
Jared nodded firmly. “I know. Take care, Jack.”
“All the best.”
With another bottle of apple juice in hand, Jared took a long sip and let the cool liquid ease his throat, relieved to be back home. He couldn’t stop thinking about Rachel’s departure and how he’d messed up with what to say to her. Why had the words just lodged in his mouth and he was left as inept as last winter’s foal? Her admission of love had rendered him stunned.
He’d screwed up and let her go, and for all he knew, she’d moved on with her new life in Spokane. Another thing to add to his list of regrets.
“Your hardheadedness is your undoing, son.”
Jared glanced up at his father. His knee was less bowed than it used to be, and the improvement in his vitality was heartwarming. Aware he was referring to losing Rachel, he had to say, “I was a fool.”
His father took a seat beside him on the porch step. “Sometimes we don’t see what’s right in front of us. Or if we do, we just dismiss it. Easier that way. Less painful.”
Jared met his gaze, aware of a past connotation.
“Things with your mom weren’t good for a long time. I never apologized for putting you through that, extending the pain when it was obvious the marriage ended years ago. None of that mess was because of you, ever.”
He shook his head. Well, there were times he’d thought of it from that perspective, but couldn’t bring himself to admit it now. “Nah, I understood.”
“Then why act so conflicted? You’ve got a woman like Rachel. You love her.” He let out a sigh. “I know I wasn’t the best father I could’ve been to you and I’m trying to rectify that now. I was closed off, frustrated over my marriage, how I couldn’t show you how much I loved you. I wanted Mountainbrook to be your home.”
His jaw slackened. Yeah, obviously he’d come to terms with his feelings for Rachel. And to hear his father’s apology was another blow. Years of tension had eroded away and he was fully aware of his father’s consideration and love. He was an idiot for not seeing it.
He cleared his throat. “Mountainbrook’s always been home.”
His father’s blue eyes clouded briefly. “Glad to hear that. And I’m proud of what you achieved in New York. I knew your ambition would take you to great heights. I just…missed having you around. Things were said that I didn’t mean.”
“I forgive you, Dad.” He held his gaze. “Being rejected by my parents, well, it’s a feeling that never truly fades. When you took me in, you pushed for me to take up the ranch as tradition required. I thought that’s what mattered to you more than anything.”
“No, son. You do. I was willing to support whatever you wanted to do, but when you returned after my accident, I thought you’d leave soon after. You stayed. I knew then that it was different. You’re just burying your passion beneath some old dream you had long ago, a dream you don’t care much for now.”
Jared gave a curt nod, having come to that realization himself. This conversation had been long overdue and losing Rachel had been the instigator. He had to rise up and claim her back - he would.
“I’m not moving to New York. I flew there to resign in person. I owed them that, at least.”
His father hesitated before breaking into a genuine smile. “About time! You’re free to be with Rachel, live out your days together here on the ranch, make it your own and settle down.”
He had to smile. So his father did enjoy playing matchmaker. Yet his smile faded.
“It’s too late. I’ve never been afraid to pursue what I want, but when she said she loved me, it blindsided me. I didn’t tell her how I feel.”
His father chuckled. “She’ll forgive you. I’m sure of that.”
Jared set his drink aside. Confronting the past with his father had left him emboldened. Love was worth the risk. Rachel was worth it. It was time to find the woman he loved and make the commitment that he’d intended to.
Rachel smoothed down her one shouldered lilac bridesmaid dress and surveyed the perfectly manicured grounds. It was a cool night. The sounds of laughing guests and Megan’s eclectic music lingered in the background.
She briefly closed her eyes, a familiar tug in her chest reminding her of the man she loved. Why did Jared still infiltrate her thoughts? It was time to move on from him. He didn’t love her or want more from her, so it was over. He’d likely moved to New York, anyway. She hadn’t heard from him which showed a lot.
Opening them, she saw a figure moving toward her on the expansive driveway. A late guest. She leaned against a marbled statue of an angel, ready to welcome the arrival since she needed a break from dancing and her feet were screaming to be released from her four inch heels.
The bright lighting illuminated his charcoal tuxedo fitted to a very attractive physique. He moved closer. Shadows clung to his chiseled face. Something about the way he walked seemed familiar….no, it couldn’t be.
Her mouth went dry. Standing before her was none other than Jared Weston. His dark brown hair was neatly combed, free of his Stetson, and his blue eyes gleamed softly. Heat rushed to her face. She still reacted exactly the same as the first time they’d met - and now he was here.
“I like the venue.”
A man of few words that masked profound emotion. Before she could ask how he’d found her, he cut in, “Saw the advertisement for your sister’s wedding online. I could’ve waited to see you after, but I thought you’d like a plus one.”
She’d resigned to never seeing him again and had held in her tears to watch her sister’s happiness be bound in marriage. Here he was, threatening to undo it all. To undo her.
She folded her arms. “How was the flight from New York?”
“I came from the ranch.”
Her breath caught in her throat. He stayed in Sandpoint?
Hearing the clatter of heels behind her, she turned to see her sister, beaming and looking beautiful in her wedding dress with her blonde hair tied back in an elaborate do.
Megan glanced at her uninvited guest. “Oh, you must be Jared. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Nice to finally meet you, ma’am.”
Her hus
band came to her side and his smile faded. “Jared Weston. Haven’t seen you in a long time.”
Rachel glanced between them. “You two know each other?”
“We go way back. Jared used his high society connections to land me what he called a prominent deal. I took it. Worst mistake of my life.”
Megan placed a hand on Matt’s arm. “Darling, not now.”
“I’m asking you, politely, to leave,” Matt said.
Jared nodded, his gaze falling on Rachel. “No harm done. I’ll be right out here.”
She bit her lip, recognizing that determined glimmer in his eyes. He wasn’t going to leave and part of her didn’t want him to.
“I’ll talk to you soon,” she told him.
Jared retreated a few steps and turned his back. Resigning to the fact that she wouldn’t see him for another hour or so, Rachel gave Megan a smile before heading inside.
She returned to the white silk laden table, confused. Jared hadn’t given up on her and it left her conflicted after his earlier reluctance, especially since he didn’t stop her from leaving and made no attempts at contact.
Glancing around, she tried to distract herself from thoughts of him. The floors and ceiling were polished wood, with strings of golden lights encircling above. The buffet table was encumbered with a variety of delicacies and each table was decorated with a vase of colorful pink roses, Megan’s favorite.
There was a tap on her shoulder. “Your plus one’s here.”
She faced her sister. “What?”
“Matt’s being unreasonable, so I invited Jared in. Go on, talk to him.”
Megan returned to her husband on the vast dance floor before Rachel could get a word in. She cast her gaze across the crowd of fifty plus guests, including her parents.
There.
Jared stood by the buffet table, all six feet of toned muscle, looking very out of place in a suit instead of his rancher outfit - but he was still attractive. His eyes found hers and the smile that curved his lips made her heart flutter. She was drawn to him like nothing else.
