Jared's Texas Homecoming

by Patricia Thayer

  “Where you from, Trager?”

  “Originally, Colorado, but now Las Vegas. I’ve been working there for the past three years.”

  “What ranch?”

  “I didn’t work for a ranch. I’m a carpenter by trade. I’m working for the Lazy S until my truck is repaired. I had a little accident a few days back and I need to stick around a while.”

  “I didn’t realize that Dana had hired anyone.”

  “Does she check out everything with you?”

  Hank cocked an eyebrow. Seemed like the boy was mighty defensive. “No, but we look out for one another. Her daddy and I were friends.”

  “Is that why you want to buy her land?”

  Hank was surprised. So Dana had confided in this Trager fellow.

  “That you’ll have to take up with my boys. I’m retired.” He sighed. “I come out here often for a few hours to enjoy the peace and quiet.”

  “Would your boys be named Randell?”

  Hank studied Trager again. He had brooding looks: black hair and deep-set eyes, reminding him of three others—Chance, Cade and Travis. “Could be.”

  “Would I be able to get in touch with them?”

  “Depends. What do you need to talk to them about?”

  “Jack Randell.”

  That evening, Jared drove his newly rented vehicle in the direction of the Circle B. After returning that afternoon to the ranch, he’d asked Bert to take him into town so he could get transportation. He came back with a Jeep Cherokee. He also could have used a brain transplant.

  He was actually going to confront the Randells. Hank had invited him to the house to speak with Chance, Cade and Travis. His brothers. Half brothers, he should say.

  He turned off the main highway, then continued down a gravel road. When he was under the sign that read Circle B Ranch, a large two-story house came into view. Further down were several outer buildings painted a pristine white all lined up next to one another and all surrounded by a lattice of fencing.

  He pulled into the circular drive and turned off the engine. Hesitating to get out of the vehicle, Jared took the envelope from his pocket and looked it over once again.

  So many feelings rushed through him. Everything would change when he shared the secret. He didn’t have proof outside the letter, but he knew. He knew now why Graham Hastings had resented him all his life. Why he’d never fit in. He didn’t expect to instantly find a family. Hell…he didn’t know what he expected.

  He puffed out a long breath and climbed out of the car. He walked up the front steps, but before he could ring the bell, the door opened and a tall brown-haired man appeared.

  “I take you’re Jared Trager,” the unsmiling man said.

  Jared nodded. “That’s right. I came to talk to Chance, Cade and Travis Randell.”

  “Look, I don’t know what you want, but if it concerns Jack Randell, it can’t be good, so my brothers and I don’t want any part of it.”

  A pretty blonde appeared. “Chance, where are your manners? Let the man come inside. Then maybe he’ll tell us what he wants.” She turned and greeted Jared with a smile. “Hello, I’m Joy Randell and this is my husband, Chance.”

  Jared shook her hand. “I’m Jared Trager.”

  “Come in, Mr. Trager,” she said, and moved aside.

  “Please, call me Jared.” He followed her and stepped into a huge living room. A soft, inviting golden color covered the walls along with shelves of books. A pair of honey-leather sofas were arranged in front of a tall fire-place where two more men stood. No doubt Randells.

  “These two other brooding guys are my brothers-in-law, Cade and Travis. Their wives, Abby and Josie, are in the kitchen making coffee. Would you like a cup?”

  Jared shook his head. “No, thank you.” He wasn’t sure if he’d be staying that long.

  “I’ll leave you gentlemen alone to talk.” She kissed her husband’s cheek. “Behave, Chance. Just listen to what Jared has to say before you throw him out.”

  Once she’d left, Chance spoke. “So, Trager, what do you want to talk to us about?”

  Jared’s throat dried up. “About two weeks ago, my brother died. He left me an old letter from our mother.” He pulled the envelope out of his pocket and handed it to Chance. “It’s from Jack Randell.”

  Chance opened the envelope and first pulled out the picture of Audrey and Jack. He studied it a while, passed it on to his brothers, then unfolded the one-page letter.

  Jared could hear his heart pounding in his ears as an eternity seemed to pass. Finally, Chance handed the letter off to his brothers and looked at Jared.

  “What the hell you trying to take from us?”

  What did Jared expect? A loving hug and welcome to the family? “Not a damn thing.”

  Jared grabbed the letter and headed for the door. Once outside, he jumped into the Jeep and turned on the engine, then pressed down on the gas pedal and shot off, kicking up gravel along the way. He had trouble seeing the road as his anger, mixed with his emotions, nearly blinded him. Jared hated feeling this way. He gripped the wheel tighter. For years, he’d controlled the loneliness of always being an outsider, but tonight was the worst yet.

  Back at the Lazy S, the Jeep skidded to a stop in front of the barn and Jared climbed out and slammed the door. He went straight to the bunkhouse and threw the letter on the bed. He wanted to hit something in the worst way—anything to burn off his anger and frustration. That was when he heard Dana’s voice.

  “Jared…” She spoke softly.

  He looked up and saw her just inside the doorway. She was wearing a long skirt and pink blouse. Her hair was curled around her pretty face, her eyes were a brilliant green. From the first Dana had stirred something in him he didn’t want to feel. He had to resist her. “This is not a good time.” He worked to control his voice.

  “You drove in here like the devil himself was after you.” She came toward the bunk…toward him. “I don’t know where you went or what happened tonight,” she began, “and maybe it’s none of my business…”

  Hell, she didn’t want to know what he was thinking right now, or what he wanted to do right now.

  “That’s right—it’s none of your business.”

  Pain flashed across her face and it tore at his heart. “I think it’s best if you leave, Dana.”

  She stood there for a long time, but started to turn, and that’s when he broke and reached for her. Jared caught a whiff of her fragrance and was lost. He needed her—badly. When she didn’t move away, he pulled her into his arms.

  She looked surprised, excited, and came willingly.

  “We’re playing with fire,” he breathed right before his mouth covered hers.

  Jared didn’t want to think right now. He’d save his regrets for tomorrow. All he wanted was the taste of her. To feel her body against his. When she opened her mouth, he delved deep to savor her sweetness, pushing all rational thoughts away.

  Right now he needed what Dana Shayne could give him. For a little while, he wanted to pretend that someone cared for him.

  Someone wanted him.

  Chapter Four

  Dana had never experienced anything like Jared’s kiss.

  His mouth was strong, but gentle against hers. Demanding and coaxing at the same time. She surrendered without resistance, opening willingly as his tongue swept inside like a thief. A hunger, like nothing she’d ever felt before, coursed through her. She moved in closer against him, aching for more. It had been so long since anyone had held her, kissed her…wanted her…

  With a groan, his arms tightened around her, pressing her body against his evident desire. Her breasts tingled, begging for his touch and he didn’t make her wait. When his hand moved under her blouse and covered her heated flesh, she was the one who whimpered. He pulled back and rained kisses down her jaw to her neck as his fingers teased her nipple.

  “Oh, Jared,” she breathed as she arched against his touch.

  He raised his head to meet her gaze
and a shiver went through her. Without a word, he took her mouth again. The hunger only intensified and Dana didn’t want to think, just feel. Those glorious hands of his found their way to her skirt. Cupping her bottom, he moved her against him, causing agonizing pleasure.

  A sudden noise brought Jared back to reality. He pulled back and, ignoring the stunned look on Dana’s face, moved to the other side of the room.

  Soon the door opened and Bert poked his head inside. “Hey, Jared—” he called, then caught sight of Dana. The old man’s gaze moved back and forth between them. “Dana, I didn’t know you were out here.”

  Somewhat recovered, Jared turned around and looked at Dana. Mistake. Her face was flushed. She looked as if she’d been thoroughly kissed. He shifted his attention to Bert. The old man wasn’t a fool. “Dana…just came by to tell me the schedule tomorrow.”

  Bert removed his hat and scratched his head. “Funny, I thought that was my job.”

  “Ah…Jared—” Dana spoke up “—just wanted to know if it was okay if Evan helps him tomorrow. I let him know that he doesn’t have to feel responsible for my son.” She headed for the door. “I’m going in. See you both at breakfast.”

  Jared wanted to follow her to explain what had just happened. But what the hell had happened between them? He glanced at Bert. The man looked as if he was expecting an explanation. Well, he wasn’t going to get one. Jared took off after Dana.

  There were patches of light on the way from the barn to the house. Jared saw Dana in the shadows just off the porch. He ran and caught up to her.

  “Dana, I need to talk to you.”

  She stopped but didn’t turn around. “I don’t think there’s anything to say.”

  “I think there’s plenty,” Jared insisted. “About what happened in the bunkhouse… It shouldn’t have happened. I apologize.”

  “That’s what every woman wants to hear—that a man is sorry he’s kissed her.”

  Jared’s frustration hadn’t lessened. “That wasn’t a kiss, that was an all-out assault.”

  Dana finally turned around. He could see the leftover desire in her beautiful eyes. “Was I complaining?”

  He shook his head. “You deserve more, Dana. A lot more.”

  “Well, we don’t always get what we deserve, do we?”

  Damn. Marsh had really done a number on her. If she knew who he was, it would only make things worse. “I’m not someone you should depend on. I’m only around for a while. I have to get to Las Vegas.”

  He saw her fighting back tears. “Why don’t we forget this night ever happened?”

  Jared thought back to the scene at the Randells and wished the same thing. He knew it was going to be impossible on two counts, especially with what had happened in the bunkhouse. But if was what Dana wanted… He nodded. “Good night, Dana. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  He watched as she walked up the steps. He wanted to follow her, to tell her everything, about Marsh, about the Randells. But he knew she would toss him off the Lazy S so fast. Funny thing was he didn’t want to go. He wanted to hang around. She needed him. And surprisingly, he needed her…and Evan.

  The next morning, Dana didn’t have to worry about facing Jared. He hadn’t come to breakfast. Bert said he had something to finish up before he rode out with him to the south pasture.

  “Mom, can I be Jared’s helper today?” Evan asked as he walked into the kitchen, dressed in his jeans and long-sleeve shirt to protect himself from the hot Texas sun.

  Dana knew her son would push this issue as far as he could. “Honey, Jared has other things to do this morning.”

  “But you’re the boss of him. You can tell him to work in the barn.”

  “I made Bert the boss and he needs Jared to help him. They’re going to need to move some of the herd today.”

  “Can’t they do that another day?”

  “The cows and calves have to eat. And there’s fresh grass in another pasture.”

  “So they get fat.”

  She nodded. “And we make more money at market.”

  “So…can I go ride with them?”

  “Evan, we’ve talked about this. You have to wait until you’re older.” The boy looked dejected. He’d been alone for so long without anyone to play with. Hopefully when school started in the fall he would make friends.

  If we still own the Lazy S, Dana thought.

  “You know what?” Dana said. “Joy is coming by today and she’s bringing Katie Rose with her.”

  Evan looked in pain. “But…Mom, she’s a baby…and a girl.”

  Dana had to smile. She knew one day his distaste for girls would change. “I know she’s only three and a half. But she likes you, a lot.” Little Katie had toddled after Evan since the day she’d taken her first steps.

  “She bothers me. She always wants to hug me, and she plays with dolls.”

  “Maybe today you can show her your Hot Wheels?”

  “But, Mom,” the boy complained. “I want to be with Jared. He needs me.”

  “Evan.” A familiar man’s voice drew their attention. Dana looked up to see the tall handsome man who’d suddenly turned into a cowboy. He had on a Western shirt, jeans and boots and all. He already had the long lanky build with all the muscles.

  “Jared.” Evan jumped down from the chair and ran to him. “Mom says I can’t help you.”

  Jared crouched down. “Hey, buddy, I’m going to be pretty busy this morning. Maybe when I get back we can get in some work later.”

  Dana saw her son’s eyes light up. “Can I, Mom?”

  “If everything else gets done.”

  The boy’s smile quickly faded as he looked back at Jared. “I have to play with a girl today.”

  Jared’s jaw twitched. “Well, sometimes cowboys have to do things that aren’t much fun. But remember, you always treat a lady with respect.”

  “What does respect mean?”

  “That means you are nice to them.”

  The boy hung his head. “’Kay. I’ll do it.”

  “And finish your chores without complaining.”

  He nodded. “’Kay, I will.”

  Jared stood up and ruffled Evan’s hair. “Good. I’ll see you when I get back.” He looked at Dana. His dark blue eyes locked with hers, causing her body to warm. She couldn’t stop the flood of memories. The feel of his hands, of his mouth…

  She shook her head. “Did you need something else?”

  He smiled. “I was just wondering if you had any leftover biscuits?”

  “Maybe a few.” Dana picked up the lunch sacks off the counter. Inside were two ham sandwiches apiece along with slices of peach pie and biscuits. “Here. This should keep you and Bert going for a few hours.”

  “Thanks,” he said, then drew a breath as if he wanted to say more. But after a moment he turned and walked out the door.

  Dana wanted to call him back, but nixed the idea. It was better to leave things alone. He was leaving in about a week. And she and Evan would be alone again.

  Jared found he was getting comfortable with Scout. The buckskin was easy to ride. Even though the Texas heat had the temperature climbing into the nineties, it didn’t bother him. Just Bert’s sullenness. The older man wasn’t about to come out and say what was on his mind. He could just ask Jared about last night. But no. He had to grunt all morning and refuse to talk. Well, that was fine. He didn’t need to talk.

  Hell, wait until Bert discovered that Jared could be a Randell.

  They were nearly to the pasture and the foreman suggested they take a break next to the creek. They delved into the sandwiches hungrily and then Bert finally spoke. “Heard you drove over to the Circle B last night.”

  Surprised that the news got around so fast, Jared was caught off guard. Had Hank Barrett said something?

  “Didn’t know you had business with them,” Bert said.

  “I don’t.” Jared frowned. “I just had something they needed to see.”

  “So you’re not doing busines
s with them.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Good, because if you’re here to try and get Dana to sell… That would upset her a lot.” The old man’s leathered face showed love and concern. “She talks tough, but when it comes to some things… She may have a child, but she hasn’t had much experience….”

  “You don’t have to warn me off,” Jared said. “I’m not planning on doing anything to hurt Dana.”

  “That’s not what it looked like last night.”

  “What happened between us is our business, but if it matters to you, I’ve already apologized to her. It won’t happen again.”

  “Good.” Bert got up slowly, put his sack in his saddlebag and mounted his horse. “We better get back to work.”

  Jared gathered his things and followed Bert. Hell, the man was as grumpy as an old bear. But he was loyal to Dana and he obviously loved her and Evan. She needed someone to look after her. Jared just wasn’t the man for the job.

  He climbed onto Scout and tugged the reins toward the fence. They continued to ride about another mile until they found the downed fence. In the mass of tangled barbed wire there were two calves.

  Two dead calves.

  With orders from Bert, Jared was to move the bawling mama cows away from their babies. It wasn’t as easy as it looked; the cows wouldn’t leave the calves. With Bert’s help, they managed to shoo them off, then Bert dragged the carcasses away as Jared started with the fence repair.

  After about an hour, they were back on the horses. They had to round up the rest of the herd. That took a while. By late afternoon, they had the rest of the cows and calves accounted for and moved to the new pasture.

  Now they only had to go back and tell Dana the bad news.

  “I’m pregnant.”

  Dana gasped at Joy Randell’s declaration.

  She got up and hugged her friend. “Oh, Joy, I’m so happy for you. I bet Chance is over the moon.”

  The pretty blonde smiled. “He’s been strutting around like one of his stallions for the past week.” She sighed. “It’s going to be a long seven months.” Then she smiled. “I did make him promise that this time we’ll make it to the hospital.”