Chance pursed his lips. “Could be. I’d have to see her first.”
“Sounds fair.”
“When is she being delivered?”
“Tomorrow afternoon. The livestock is being shipped this weekend. I know I’ve asked a lot of you already, but do you think you can come by and help unload them?”
A smile tugged at his mouth. “Sure. But don’t you worry. I’ll get you back. I happen to know you’re much better with a hammer and saw than I am.”
“No problem,” Jared told him. “Say, why don’t you bring Joy and Katie with you? We’ll barbecue some steaks.” Whoa, since when did he do family gatherings?
“Maybe you should check with Dana before you go handing out invitations.”
“Ask me what?” The wooden screen door slammed as Dana walked out onto the porch where she found Chance and Jared. They looked so much alike that she wondered why she’d never seen the resemblance before.
“Chance is going to help us unload the livestock on Saturday afternoon. So I invited him and Joy to stay for supper. I thought we’d barbecue.”
Dana had never been a couple before. How was she supposed to act? “That sounds…nice.”
“Well, you know me,” Chance began, “I’ll go anywhere for a free meal, but you better call Joy and work out the details.”
Chance said goodbye and drove off in his truck. Jared climbed the steps to the porch. “I guess I should have asked you first.”
Dana looked up at him. “About what?”
“Inviting people over to the house without talking to you first,” he said, tipping his hat back. Funny, lately Dana rarely saw him without her daddy’s old worn Stetson. It fit him perfectly. Jared seemed to fit in here perfectly.
He frowned. “If it bothers you we can make it another time.”
She shook her head. “No, a barbecue is a good idea. Besides, you know Joy is my friend. I owe her so many meals, I’ve lost count.” Dana smiled. “It should be fun.” She turned to go into the house, pushing any foolish thoughts out of her head.
“Dana,” Jared called, and she looked back. “I had a great time today. I’ve never been to a cattle auction.”
Why did he have to go and say that? She needed to put space between them. Last night had been dangerous. “And costly,” she said.
He laughed. “That, too. But well worth it.”
“Yes, I suppose it was.”
The deep sound of his laughter sent her pulse racing. If only she could be as playful, but she knew she couldn’t without getting hurt when he left.
He sensed her mood change. “What is it, Dana?”
She shook her head.
He came closer. “If it’s about what happened in the motel room…”
“No. You’re right. This marriage isn’t permanent. We can’t start something that…”
He moved closer. “I’m only thinking about you, Dana. I don’t want you hurt, and I’d hate myself if I caused you any pain. I’m here to help you and Evan, but I can’t stay. It’s not me. I just don’t do family very well.”
Dana knew Jared was mistaken. In just a short time he had developed a relationship with his brothers and he’d been a father to her son.
Maybe she should try to convince him that he fit into her family perfectly…. For Evan’s sake, of course.
On Saturday, there was all kinds of excitement at the Lazy S Ranch. More than there had been in years, Dana reflected. The cattle trucks pulled in around one o’clock that afternoon and not only was Chance waiting, but his brothers, Cade and Travis, were there to help her and Jared.
It took them just thirty minutes to unload the livestock. The two bulls were corralled in a temporary pen until the brothers were ready to drive the herd out to pasture.
Dana fed the men lunch, then did up the dishes before she changed to go with them. She walked into the barn wearing jeans, chaps and boots, ready for the ride. Yet she couldn’t help but detour down the center aisle to where the three new boarders, particularly the bay filly, took up residence. She opened the gate slowly so as not to spook the young horse, Sweet Brandy. Dana wanted to pinch herself. How did she get lucky enough to own this beauty?
“Easy, girl, I only want to give you some attention.” The filly backed away, but stopped as Dana’s soft voice began to soothe her. Then Dana took hold of the animal’s cloth halter and began to stoke her. “How was your night?” Dana glanced around the stall. It was clean. She smiled, knowing the new ranch hand, Owen, must have been up early. At twenty, he was a hard worker and loved horses. Too bad Dana would lose him when he went back to college in the fall.
The filly nudged against her. “So you like this, huh?” The horse bobbed her head up and down and Dana laughed.
Jared was walking Scout out of the stall when he heard Dana’s voice. Her soft, throaty tones sounded like a lover’s caress, drawing him to Sweet Brandy’s stall. She was stroking the filly and not paying any attention to him. Not since their trip to Midland had he been able to get close to her. Avoidance was the best solution for both of them, but that didn’t change the fact that he wanted her. Desire shot though him as his gaze wandered over her shapely bottom and long, slender legs covered in snug jeans. That rich auburn hair was tied back in a braid. His fingers itched to be tangled in the wild strands.
He groaned, causing Dana to turn around. “Jared.”
“Hey,” he said, and forced a smile. “I see she’s won you over, too.”
“She did that the second she pranced into the ring.” Dana came out of the bay’s stall. “Thank you for buying her.”
“Like I said, she’s a great investment.” He shut and locked the gate. “In a few years you’ll be able to breed her.” He took hold of Scout’s reins and started walking.
“Give me a few minutes and I’ll be ready to leave.” She went into the tack room and came out carrying a saddle and headed toward her mount, a gelding roan named Rex.
She began to saddle her horse. “There’s no need for you to come,” he said. “We have plenty of help with Owen, Chance, Cade and Travis. And there’s Bert, too. What about Evan?”
She paused. “Joy’s agreed to watch him. So you’re going to have more help with me along. I still run this place. This is my ranch.”
Jared tied Scout to the railing and went into the stall. He took the bridle from her and made her look at him. “I’m not trying to take anything away from you, Dana. I only want to make things easier for you. I thought you might want to stay home today.”
She folded her arms across her chest. “Well, you thought wrong.”
Jared knew he hadn’t handled it right. “I know that now. I should have talked it over with you.” He watched her blink away tears and before he could talk himself out of it, he placed an arm across her shoulders and drew her to him. “I’m sorry, Dana.” The feel of her softness against him caused his body to stir immediately. Damn, she felt good. A flood of memories of their trip to Midland came into his mind, reminding him of how close they’d gotten, how they’d nearly made love. He’d come home vowing to stay away from her. And he’d managed all week. He’d showered at night, stayed out in the barn until as late as possible. The only time they had been together was at mealtime.
“I’ll try not to overstep again,” he said, and pulled back. Her gaze rose to his as his hand moved down her arm and gripped her hand. “Do you think you can forgive me?”
She blinked, but it didn’t erase the passion in the emerald depths. “Just don’t let it happen again,” she said in a soft throaty tone. And all he could think about was a naked Dana against crumpled sheets.
His grip tightened. “I’ll try.”
“See that you do,” she said weakly.
His resistance was faltering. Leaning down, his lips touched hers, then he chanced another nibble and another. With each one of Dana’s breathy gasps, his reserve faltered, then disappeared altogether and he covered her mouth completely. He pulled her against him, tilting her back and deepened the kiss. Co
axing her lips apart, he tasted her again and again.
Her arms went around his neck, fingers combed through his nape, causing his hat to fall to the ground, forgotten.
It wasn’t until he heard the sound of the men’s laughter that he pulled back, but didn’t release her.
“Hey, you’ll have to save that for later,” Chance called out. “We need to ride out before the sun roasts us.”
Feeling the heat rise in her face, Dana buried her head into Jared’s chest. How could she let this happen? Still trembling from the kiss, she couldn’t look at Jared.
He had other ideas. “Dana,” he said, cupping her chin and raising her head. “We better go. I’ll saddle your horse.”
She stopped him. “I don’t really need to go. I could use the time to bake a few pies for the barbecue.”
He grinned. “Now, I’m not going to argue with you on that one. I just want you to know that I’m not trying to exclude you. I just want to make things easier.”
Little by little he was stealing her heart. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He picked up his hat and started to leave, then stopped. “I’m sorry that Chance caught us, but I’m not sorry that I kissed you.” He tugged on his hat, then led Scout out to the corral.
Dana somehow made her way back to the house and found Joy at the kitchen table, drinking her tea. “I thought you were going with the guys to move the new herd.”
“I changed my mind.”
Joy raised an eyebrow. “By the looks of you, I’d say one carpenter-cowboy may be changing it for you.”
Dana’s hand went to her hair and realized half her braid was pulled out. She could still taste him on her lips, too. She had no willpower when it came to the man. With a groan, she sank into a chair. “I’m in big trouble.”
Joy smiled. “Why is that?”
“Because I’m starting to care about Jared.”
“And why is this bad?”
“Because he doesn’t feel the same about me, and besides, he’ll be leaving soon.” And I’ll be alone again, she cried silently.
“Maybe he doesn’t want to leave. He does have family here. Not just Evan, but Chance, Cade and Travis.”
Dana shook her head. “He tells me all the time that he has a life in Las Vegas. That’s where he’s buying a company.”
Joy reached across the table and patted Dana’s hand. “I think Jared is fighting the feelings he has for you. He could change his mind about leaving. I remember Chance after we first were married. Oh, how he fought to stay away from me. I knew he only married me to get my land, and I needed his protection so I wouldn’t lose Katie to my in-laws. But when I realized that I didn’t want our marriage to be in name only, I decided I had to take matters into my own hands and let him know how I felt.”
Dana was definitely interested. “How did you do that?”
“I seduced him,” Joy said proudly. “A bad storm helped out. A tree branch broke the window in my bedroom, and I saw my opportunity and went for it. I went to his bed and persuaded him to share it with me.” Her friend looked at Dana. “First, you have to admit that you love Jared. Do you?”
Dana didn’t want to say the words out loud, but staying silent didn’t change the fact. “Yes, I do,” she sighed.
“Then it’s simple. Let Jared know how you feel. Show him no mercy and go after him.”
Chapter Nine
Go after him.
Dana spent the morning preparing food for the barbecue, but her thoughts kept wandering back to her friend’s words. This was crazy. She’d tried going after a man once, and look what had happened. She was left alone with a broken heart. A slow smile spread across her face. Not completely alone. She couldn’t imagine her life without Evan. He was the joy of her life.
She sobered. Gone was that young, foolish girl. A mother now, she also had the responsibility of running the ranch. She couldn’t take that kind of risk again. It was best to leave things as they were—to stick to their agreement—marriage in name only. She’d rather have Jared as Evan’s uncle and her friend, than to drive him off completely by trying to hold him here. And besides, who said Jared was even interested in her? They’d only shared a few kisses. Surely a man like Jared would prefer a more sophisticated woman.
“Dana, the oven timer went off,” Joy said.
The buzzing sound grew louder. “Oh, what?” Dana finally looked up.
“Your pies are ready.”
Dana flushed as she went to the oven and opened the door to find two apple pies, the fillings bubbling through the slits in the golden brown crusts. With oven mitts, she lifted them out, placing them onto the cooling rack as a spicy cinnamon fragrance filled the room.
Just then the back door opened and Chance and Jared walked in. Dusty and dirty from the trail ride, they hung their hats on the hook and went to the sink. Jared pulled two glasses from the cupboard and handed one to Chance to fill. They drank thirstily, leaning against the counter. Both men were broad-shouldered and muscular, but slim-waisted and long-legged. And both Randells were wickedly handsome. In just the short weeks that Jared had been at the ranch, he’d come to look as much like a rancher as Chance did, who’d been born to it.
“You two look beat,” Joy said.
“It’s hot as blazes out there,” Chance said as his wife came up to him. Ignoring the dirt, she kissed her husband as Chance placed his hand on her slightly rounded stomach. “But it was a great workout for my cutters. Dang, you should have seen Owen handle Roughneck. That kid is a natural on a horse.”
“Good, but he’s only here for the summer.” Dana looked at Jared to find that his gaze was on her. She felt her skin warm and wished he’d greet her a little more affectionately. Of course, they didn’t need to put on a show for the other couple, even if Chance had caught them kissing in the barn.
“Did things go okay?” Dana asked him.
Jared nodded. “The herd is happily grazing in the north section.”
“Good.” She turned to Chance. “Where are Travis and Cade?”
“They’ve already headed home,” Chance said, then looked back at Jared. “Hey, you’d be wise to give your wife another big kiss. Take a look at the counter and see what’s coolin’.”
Jared glanced in the direction Chance pointed at, then at Dana and smiled. “I knew I had a good reason for you to stay here.” He came toward her and Dana stiffened as he leaned down and brushed his mouth against hers. She was quite disappointed when he pulled away.
“Thanks for the pies,” Jared whispered as their eyes met.
His pulse raced as it had most of the morning. Funny, he’d been the one to convince her to stay home, and then wished she’d been with them. He couldn’t resist her any longer and drew her close, even happier when she didn’t pull away.
“Dana, you’d be proud of Jared today,” Chance announced. “He did good for a city boy.”
“Thanks.” Jared accepted the good-natured ribbing. “But I’ve spent time on a ranch.”
Chance barked with laughter. “A fancy dude ranch isn’t my idea of hard work.”
He frowned. “A few years back I worked for a large operation outside of Denver. So I’ve spent my time in a saddle.”
“But you’ll probably have a few sore places tonight. Just have Dana rub on a little ointment.”
Jared tried to keep it light, but the thought of Dana’s hands on him had his body reacting. “Not a bad idea.”
“Okay, guys,” Joy broke in. “I think you both need to clean up and start the grill for some of that good Texas beef.”
The sound of footsteps on the stairs told them the kids were close. Evan ran into the room, Katie close on his heels. The little girl ran to her daddy.
“Uncle Jared, you’re back.” Evan’s eyes lit up as he ran to him. “Can you take me riding on Goldie?”
Jared crouched down. “Evan, we’ve talked about this. Your mother has to check out your new horse first.”
The boy lowered his eyes. “O
h, I forgot.” He looked up at his mother. “Mom, is it time to eat yet? I’m hungry.”
The room broke into laughter. “I guess it’s unanimous,” Jared said. “Give me ten minutes to shower and we’ll get this party started. Chance, you’re welcome to use the bathroom downstairs.”
His half brother shook his head. “My things are in the bunkhouse, I’ll just use the shower there.”
Jared nodded. They’d been strangers a month ago. Now they were becoming friends. “Thanks for today, Chance. I really appreciate it.”
“That’s what family is for.”
It was funny, the steaks were the easy part of the meal. Dana watched through the kitchen window as Jared and Chance stood by the grill, long-neck bottles of beer in their hands, talking about the exploits of the morning’s cattle drive.
But the kids playing in the yard weren’t to be ignored. Before long, Jared and Chance put down their drinks and took turns tossing the children the ball, praising every time one of them made a catch, encouraging them when they didn’t. The laughter was contagious.
“That’s the sweetest sound,” Joy said.
“What?”
“A child’s laughter,” her friend said. “It’s so innocent, so carefree. There’s nothing like it in the world. That’s one of the reasons I fell in love with Chance. The way he was with Katie. They say that kids and animals are great judges of character.” She nodded to Jared as he bent down, showing Evan how to grip a plastic baseball.
Something tightened around Dana’s heart. What’s not to love? The man gave her son so much attention and affection.
“They’re crazy about each other,” Joy added.
Dana looked away. “Jared is Evan’s uncle.”
“It’s possible that the man wants to be more.”
Dana shut her eyes a moment. She couldn’t let herself dream that dream. “I just have to take it day by day.”
The men finally got the steaks and the kids’ hot dogs grilled. Bert and Owen begged off and took their food back to the bunkhouse to kick back and watch television. So it was the two couples sitting at the table, with the two kids happily at a little table of their own. Jared had worked most of the week finishing a small patio area next to the house. He hadn’t had time to make the cover, but an oversize umbrella shaded everyone from the late-afternoon sun.
Jared's Texas Homecoming Page 11
