Secret Pressure (Rhinestone Cowgirls Book 4)

by Rhonda Lee Carver

  “I’ll get these,” he said.

  She swallowed and stepped back, memories of the night they’d shared at the cabin came back with a painful vengeance. “Thank you.”

  “Hi.” Jack waved his hand.

  Jobe turned his gaze toward the little boy and Ruby’s stomach fluttered. She had prayed over and over on her way to the ranch, hoping that her son would get along fine with Jobe. Now seeing the smile light Jobe’s face, she felt a pride swim through her knowing all would be okay.

  “Hi there, Jack.”

  “Down, ma, down.”

  “Okay.” She placed him on his feet and watched him go for the gravel like it was a treasure of gummy worms. “He loves playing with rocks and dirt,” she told Jobe.

  “A boy easy to please.” Jobe grinned as he took the last suitcase out of the trunk. “We have miles and miles of gravel and dirt so he should be entertained for days.”

  “He also loves horses.”

  “Has he gotten used to the saddle yet?”

  She shook her head. “No. I guess I’ve been a bit protective.”

  “Then we’ll have to get the little fella on a horse. I bought him a gentle mare who will be a good first horse.”

  Fear stiffened her spine. “I don’t know—”

  “No worries, Ruby. I won’t let anything happen to him.”

  She forced a smile to her lips, understanding she was too uptight when it came to Jack.

  “It’s so peaceful here, Jobe. I’m not sure what I was expecting when I heard how many cabins you and your brothers have built.” Turning, she looked out across the fields, admiring how beautiful it was. She inhaled more of the fresh air and sighed. The Stone Hedge was beautiful too, but there was a serene quality here that she couldn’t quite explain. “I love it here.”

  “We’ve done a lot of expanding, but there’s enough space between the guest cabins and the ranch that we very seldom see any of them. The horses they ride and the trails they’re permitted to use are on the other side of the cabins, on new land that we bought last year.”

  “You must be terribly busy.” She automatically shot a glance at Jack.

  He must have understood her concern. “Ruby, up until now I’ve only had myself to worry about. Now that I have y—” he cleared his throat. “Jack here, I can balance being a father and owning this land. You have my word. I plan to give that little guy all the attention, and love, he deserves.”

  She turned away, pretending interest in the luggage, but really she wanted to hide the tears in her eyes. When the mist faded, she looked back at him. “Sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into all of this.”

  “I’m dedicated in putting the past where it belongs and looking toward a future. Baby steps. That’s all that I can promise.” He scrubbed his jaw. “Now, I’m afraid the farmhouse needs some work. I plan to bring builders in next month to start renovations. I guess I held off, sort of hoping I’d have a woman’s input before I went and screwed up with the wrong paint colors, or flooring. Some like wood, and some like carpet. I’m a wood man myself. How about you?”

  She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze. Her nerves trembled and she swallowed against the constriction in her throat. Before she could comment, she felt a tug on her shirt and she looked down at Jack. He held up a shiny rock glinting in the sun. “Look, ma.”

  “Ooh that’s very pretty.”

  Jack gave the rock a toss and waddled over to inspect an area of grass.

  “You’ve done a good job so far, Ruby. I mean that. He’s happy.”

  “My mom and dad were very helpful, and my sisters. I can’t complain. Although, I do think it’s time the fellow had some testosterone in his life. I can shoot a gun and hit a target like a pro, but I never could throw a ball worth a damn.” She laughed and realized Jobe was staring at her. Nervously, she smoothed her palms down her jeans.

  Jobe’s jaw tightened and he grabbed a piece of luggage, wheeling the suitcase up to the sidewalk, making a lot of noise.

  “I want to woll it,” Jack bounced forward, looking at the suitcase like he’d found gold.

  “You think you could help me get these bags up on the porch?” Jobe asked.

  Jack dropped the rock he was holding like a hot potato and rushed beside Jobe, placing his tiny hands on the bag. He groaned as if it took all of his energy to move it, although Jobe still did all of the work.

  “Big.” Jack smiled.

  Ruby grinned as Jobe slowly lifted the bag up the steps, pretending that Jack helped immensely. The boy got a kick out of helping. Ruby noticed how patient Jobe was with Jack and her heart grew double.

  They finally made it through the screen door and Jobe held up his hand waiting for a high five. “Put it here, little man.”

  Jack giggled and slapped Jobe’s hand. “High five.”

  Ruby wrapped her arms around her waist, wishing the butterflies would cool it. The resemblance between them was amazing. Her gaze drifted to Jobe, handsome with an unguarded smile.

  His jet black hair fell down his forehead and he brushed it aside, missing his ever-present hat. She’d been worried coming here, but suddenly harmony washed over her. Everything would fall into place.

  Jobe lifted his chin, meeting her gaze. She didn’t bother pretending that she hadn’t been staring. She shivered and it had nothing to do with a breeze, but everything to do with the cowboy who looked at her in a way that could make her turn to mush. Her nipples pebbled in awareness, the junction of her thighs quavering. Dang, she was a mess. Her body had a mind of its own, even when her brain told it to take a chill pill. She wasn’t here to take up a sex only relationship with Jobe. All of those emotions would only get in the way. She had to look at this from a business standpoint. No thinking of his large calloused palms on her sensitive flesh. No imagining him burrowing his scruffy jaws between her legs and licking her into heaven. Or him pumping in and out of her, bringing her to climax. After climax. After freakin’ climax.

  She gave her head a quick shake. Why wouldn’t the image of him naked skedaddle?

  Coming here didn’t include getting up close and personal with Jobe. She was here to help build a relationship between him and their son. Point blank.

  “Ruby, are you planning to hang out in the driveway all evening or you going to come in so I can show you around?” His Texas twang brought out the goosebumps on her skin.

  She walked toward the porch, fully aware her knees threatened to send her sprawling onto the ground. She planted a smile on her face and promised herself that she’d forget how much pleasure this man brought—and that he was her first and only love.

  ****

  Ruby was a damn beauty, her son—their son—was a charmer, and Jobe was a mess.

  He showed her into Jack’s new bedroom and he swore he saw tears fill her eyes, making his gut bunch up. “Is this okay?”

  Ruby spun on her heel. Jack was already on the floor playing with a ball. “Is it okay?” There was a choked up sound to her voice. “Did you do this all on your own?”

  “No, ‘fraid not. I helped Em and Pearl though. I wanted it to be perfect.”

  He watched her go to the window and look out. “I didn’t expect this.”

  “Didn’t expect me to make a room for him? Or not thinking I could look to long term?”

  She shook her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “That’s not what I mean. I’m saying you’ve thought over everything. I see how much this matters to you in your actions.”

  “This will take us all a little time to get used to. Just as you have your sisters, I have family also that are more than willing to help.” He was a little on the edgy side, Damn crazy emotions.

  She looked at him. One corner of her mouth dipping. “Remember that the family you speak of are my family too. I know more than anyone how wonderful they are and I want Jack to get to know all of you. I’m dedicated to that also.”

  “Good.” He sucked in a deep breath. “I hope it’s okay, but I’ve also hire
d a nanny. Pearl and Em helped with that too. She’s a nice lady, goes to church and has ten grandchildren who she’s made lots of cookies for. What kid can resist cookies?”

  Her gaze narrowed. “Why will we need a nanny?”

  He shrugged and his shirt tugged against his chest. Had the AC turned off? He’d never been as nervous as when discussing their son. “I figured you’d want to get to know her, for when the time comes that Jack is alone here with me. I’ll need help when I’m out on the land and I can’t take Jack with me. Her name is Serita.”

  “I see your point, but I can’t wrap my brain around leaving my son, not yet. I guess I should be glad that you’re looking ahead. Like you said, it’ll take some time to get used to.”

  “And I thought you’d want to write while you’re here. I don’t want your life to come to a halt. I respect the life you’ve built for you and Jack. You’ll get to do everything as you’ve done before. Don’t want that creative mind to go to waste.” He wanted her to be as comfortable here as possible.

  “Your gesture is, well, kind.”

  He shuffled his boots. “I’m not a mean man.”

  He heard the exhale of her breath. “Never said you were.” He lifted a brow. “Oh, maybe a few times. But I realize I’ve been wrong on many levels.”

  “Wow. A Stone woman admitting she’s wrong. Now that’s huge.” He smiled and strolled toward the door, not even watching for her expression. “Now for the next two rooms.” He stepped into the hallway.

  “Jack, you stay here and play, okay?” Ruby ruffled his shock of hair. He busily played with blocks now and seemed consumed.

  “I put up a gate here, to keep him safe.” He showed her the white fencing that fit in the doorway.

  “Yes, we might need that.” She pulled it close.

  He led the way down the long hallway. He stepped into the room and heard her release of breath. “What is this, Jobe?”

  “It’s your office. Now, we can change up the furniture anyway you like, but I thought you’d like the desk facing the window while you write. The computer is new, with a printer.” This time there was no doubt she had tears filling her gaze. “I hope I didn’t step over a line. I just assumed you’d need a place to work.”

  “Jobe, you’ve done nothing wrong—only right. I’m flabbergasted by all of this. Jack’s bedroom, this office.” She swung her arms around the air. “It’s all very sweet. Honestly, I will miss my office space at home and this will do just fine.”

  Seeing the pleasure on her face made his gut tighten. He liked her smile. “You haven’t seen your bedroom yet. I haven’t been in there myself, but I had Em pick out the curtains and bedding. She said she knew exactly what you liked.”

  He led her to the last bedroom on the left, across the hall from his. He didn’t know why he chose for her to sleep there, but it seemed right. He pushed open the door and she stepped in. “It’s lovely, really lovely. You’ve gone to a lot of trouble.”

  “Em and Pearl have. They said they’d make it as similar to your bedroom at home so you wouldn’t get homesick.”

  “Yes, it’s a lot like my room at home, but better. Thank you.”

  He nodded and scrubbed his jaw. He wasn’t used to being in the spotlight. “I wanted to make this feel right. I know it can’t be easy for you staying here, away for home and your sisters. And by the way, they’re welcome to come and visit any time. Any family. In reality, they’re my family now.”

  “I really don’t know how I can thank you.”

  “No, I owe you a thanks. For this time so I can get to know my son. It means a lot to me.” He tucked his hands into his back pockets. “I do want to ask a question though.”

  “Sure.”

  “How did you keep Jack a secret? From my brothers and Pearl? Didn’t they come to your parents’ funeral? I mean, it’s obvious whose kid he is.”

  She sat on the end of the bed. “They knew I had a son, but not who Jack’s father was. During the funerals I had left Jack with a sitter, using the excuse that he was too young. I’ve kept my distance, not only from you, but other people—those who I care for. Now I want to make amends.”

  He started for the door, needing air. He had one more thought though. “That’s a shame, Ruby, that you left.”

  “Why, Jobe?”

  Keeping his back to her, he said, “I would have asked you to marry me. No hesitation. No second guessing. Just plain and simple.”

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  Ruby, dressed in a pair of yoga pants, tennis shoes and a T-shirt, made her way down to the kitchen where Serita was making Jack eggs and toast. It had been two days since the woman started coming and Ruby felt a little guilty, but Jobe had been right. Jack needed to get used to the older woman who would be taking care of him. This morning, Ruby decided she’d go on a run, something she needed to do to help her feel better—mind and body. She woke up feeling queasy and thought the fresh air might help her.

  “I won’t be long, Serita.” Ruby gave Jack a kiss on the forehead.

  “Take your time. We’ll just enjoy breakfast.” Serita smiled.

  Ruby liked the other woman. She had a bubbly personality that matched her rosy cheeks and twinkling eyes. She talked about her grandkids often, but they were in school now and she didn’t like the empty nest syndrome. “Jack loves eggs. Don’t be surprised if he asks for more.”

  “I’ll make more, as much as he’ll eat. A cowboy needs his strength,” Serita said. “Just like his daddy. He ate a half dozen eggs himself this morning.”

  Ruby wouldn’t know. Jobe was out on the land every morning before she got up. She started to reason he was ignoring her on purpose.

  Outside, Ruby stuck her iPod buds in her ears and took off from the porch in a jog. She’d already planned her route. She really wanted to run down to the barn just to catch a glimpse of Jobe at work, maybe without his shirt on, but she didn’t have a good enough excuse. She’d seen little of him lately. When he came home from work, he washed up and spent time with Jack. Feeling like a third wheel and wanting Jack to get to know him better, Ruby would work in the office—the lovely room Jobe had created for her. Or she’d visit her cousins. She liked being close to them, although she did miss her sisters.

  Running toward the path leading to the cabins, she thought over yesterday’s events. Jobe had stopped in the office and asked if he could take Jack for a ride on the horse. Reluctantly, she’d agreed. She had conflicting emotions spiraling through her. Jobe was becoming a natural father, and Jack was growing to care for him. Soon, she would have no excuse to stay.

  Fifteen minutes into her run, she had to stop. Dizziness washed over her. When it finally subsided, she decided to walk back to the house.

  She found Serita cleaning the kitchen and Jack was playing in his high chair. Ruby gave him a kiss on the cheek on her way to grab a water from the fridge.

  “You okay, Ruby?” Serita asked, concern making her wiry brows scrunch.

  “I’m a little off.” Ruby thirstily drank from the bottle.

  “Let me see.” Serita pressed the back of her hand against Ruby’s forehead. “Yes, just as I thought. You’re a little warm. Your cheeks are flushed.”

  “Oh, I think I’m fine.”

  Serita had already grabbed the thermometer from a cabinet and was sliding it across Ruby’s forehead. The older woman’s gaze narrowed. “One-hundred-one. That means rest is required. You go on upstairs and slip into bed. I’ll make a bowl of my homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s known to cure all ailments.”

  “But-But what about Jack?”

  “That’s why I’m here, lovely. Now go on.” The charming woman waved Ruby toward the back stairs. “You don’t want to pass this along to your little man.”

  No, Ruby didn’t. What was worse than her being sick was seeing her son get ill.

  Upstairs, she changed into a tank and shorts, and crawled into bed. Serita came up later carrying a tray of soup, crackers and lemon lime soda. Ruby didn’t think she wo
uld be able to eat, but she managed to finish the soup, half the crackers and most of the soda.

  Full, and a little unsettled, she fell asleep.

  Not sure how long she’d slept, she opened her eyes and found Jobe sitting on the edge of the bed.

  “Hi,” she said.

  “Hello. Did you rest okay?”

  She shrugged. “Depends. What time is it?”

  “Around two.”

  “At night?”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh, wow. I’ve slept too long.” She pushed herself to a sitting position. “I better get up and check on Jack.”

  He placed his hand on her lap. “Jack is fine. He is staying with Pearl and Nash tonight.”

  She blinked. “Why?”

  “Because Serita went home and I need to take care of you.”

  Running her tongue over her bottom lip, she wanted to argue, but in all honesty, she wasn’t feeling the greatest. And Jack being away meant he had less chance of catching her bug. “He’ll be fine for tonight.”

  “Are you hungry?”

  “No, not really.”

  “Thirsty?”

  She smiled. “Yes.” He reached to the nightstand and grabbed the bottle of water, uncapping it. She accepted it and drank half. It hit the spot. “I really don’t know what happened. I was running and I suddenly felt sick to my stomach.”

  “Serita said you were pale when you came in from your run and had a fever. I’m glad to see that your color is back.” He pressed his hand to her forehead. “And no remaining fever. However, we don’t want to take any chances. You need rest.”

  “I need a bath.”

  Jobe stood up. “Are you ready?” he asked.

  She blinked. “Ready for what?”

  “I’m giving you a bath. You just said you needed one. That’s something I can help with.”

  Her nipples pebbled and her inner thighs quaked, seriously inappropriate for a time like this, but she couldn’t help herself. “You’re giving me a bath?” Her words came out on a squeak.