The Cowboy Comes Home

by Patricia Thayer

  “Having fun?” she asked.

  “Holding a pretty woman in my arms? Oh, yeah.”

  She sucked in a breath. “I meant, are you meeting people?”

  “I’ve met enough. I’d rather concentrate on the woman I’m holding right now.” He pulled her close again and rested his chin against her forehead. Her breasts pressed to his chest. She heard his low groan and he pulled back.

  “Come on.” He took her hand and moved through the crowd until they reached a patio area. There were heat lamps to ward off the cold and ashtrays for the smokers. He kept walking until they reached a dark corner. He turned her around.

  “Johnny. Is something wrong?”

  “You can’t be that naive, Jess.” Johnny studied her in the dim light. When he’d spotted her tonight, he’d planned to stay away, but she drew him like a magnet. Definitely, Jess Calhoun was trouble and he was crazy to mess with her—but she was too hard to resist.

  He leaned down and lightly brushed his lips across hers once, then again, only allowing him a small taste of her. He fought for control as she pressed her body against his, eager to deepen the kiss, and finally pulled back. Pressing his forehead against hers, he waited for his heart rate to slow to normal. “You’re playing with fire.”

  She looked up at him with innocent eyes.

  “Okay, that’s it. You’re coming with me.”

  “Where are you taking me this time?”

  “Hopefully to safer ground.”

  * * *

  Jess wasn’t sure if she was disappointed or not. They ended up sitting in a booth at Gracie May’s. Since everyone was at the dance, the place was nearly deserted. Yet, she enjoyed being with Johnny. Alone. Even knowing that it was a bad idea, just a sample of his kiss had her aching for more.

  He ordered them coffee and a piece of carrot cake.

  “You left the dance because you were suddenly hungry?”

  He leaned closer. “When you press your body against a man, you send messages to him. The wrong messages.”

  She fought the blush, but failed. “You kissed me.”

  “Because you’re so damn tempting.”

  Really? She looked tempting? It had been so long since she let a man get close. She found she enjoyed Johnny’s attention. Her hands cupped her mug, trying to act as if she heard those words all the time. Yet, she also felt the ache inside knowing how much she wanted to hear them…from this man.

  Johnny sat back when the waitress, Bonnie, brought the cake. He thanked her. “This isn’t a good idea, Jess. You have to know that I don’t do anything permanent, and I doubt you do one-night stands.”

  She glanced away. “No, I don’t. And I wasn’t looking for one tonight. You asked me to the dance but I decided to go with Molly and Nancy. It’s not like I tracked you down and threw myself at you.”

  Johnny couldn’t help but wonder if she knew how men reacted to her. He’d watched several guys eyeing her. He told himself that he only asked her to dance to protect her. But hell, he was worse. She needed to be protected from him.

  “Just so you know, I don’t usually go out much. I mean, I became a mother at an early age, so I’ve pretty much stayed close to home.”

  Johnny wasn’t surprised. “Who was this fool who left you high and dry?”

  She looked surprised at his bold question. “Just a young cowboy passing through who worked at the ranch. I’d come home from college for the summer and Chad and I got together. Old story—I fell in love and was devastated when he took off after I told him I was pregnant. He made it clear he didn’t want me or the baby.”

  Johnny cursed.

  She realized she couldn’t stop. She wanted it all out in the open. “After Brady was born, Dad tracked Chad down but only to have him sign away any parental rights.” She looked Johnny in the eye. “He signed it. There was probably some money involved, but I know what my dad did was out of love.” She blinked several times. “Now Clay’s gone, and Brady and I are having a bit of a rough patch, especially with the rest of my family away.”

  Johnny felt his heart pounding. He wanted to find this Chad character and pound some sense into him. Instead, he remained calm.

  “I shouldn’t have dragged you away from the dance, Jess. I was out of line.”

  She smiled. “I’m kind of glad you did. The hall was crowded and the music too loud. Oh, maybe you want to go back.”

  He shook his head. “I’m happy right where I am.” He picked up the fork, cut a piece of cake and took a bite.

  The combination of flavors burst in his mouth. “Damn, this is good.” He dug in for another sample. “You made this?”

  Smiling, she nodded. “As you can see I’m more than a pretty face.”

  He took another helping. “Now that’s something we both agree on.”

  * * *

  An hour later and after a second piece of cake, Johnny walked Jess back to the dance. She met up with her friends and they invited her and Johnny to go with them to the Saddle Up Bar and Grill.

  Jess had declined and so did Johnny. Since she’d brought her car, she decided to drive home. That was when Johnny said he’d follow her. A thrill rushed through her thinking about Johnny coming up to her apartment. Would she invite him in? Was she ready for more than some harmless flirting, and a whisper of a kiss? The problem was resolved when he climbed out of his truck and asked to see her bakery.

  She unlocked the back door to the kitchen, turned off the alarm, then flipped on the under-counter lighting, leaving the room in a soft glow. She stepped back and left Johnny to do his own inspection.

  He removed his hat and went right to the heart of her work area, and ran his hand along the stainless-steel counter. She noticed his long tapered fingers. She shivered recalling those same hands touching her, holding her close.

  “Jess?”

  “Sorry. What?”

  He leaned against the counter, his arms folded over his chest. “This is really something. How long have you been here?”

  “It was built about two years ago. My mail-order business for Sandra’s Preserves had taken over the ranch kitchen so I needed to move. It only made sense to add the ovens in the kitchen design along with the storefront.

  “My dad loved my desserts and he convinced me to dream big. So I started with a few cakes and pies to offer to the store walk-ins. They sold out quickly. Then Gracie May’s asked to order my baked goods on a daily basis.”

  She shrugged. “Word got out, and I hired some help. I couldn’t do any of this without Molly, and her parents. Carol runs this kitchen, and Ben does all the mail orders for the preserves. Since this building is on Calhoun property, I can expand even more. Maybe add on a sandwich shop next door.” She walked to the doorway at the front of the store. “We can cut a hole in the wall and add a deli. I’m not the only good cook here. Molly’s mother makes the best potato salad and coleslaw.”

  She caught Johnny’s grin, slow and easy.

  “What?”

  “Nothing, I just enjoy listening to you. I bet you have more big plans?”

  She liked that he was eager to listen. “As a matter of fact, yes, I do. I want to add several other buildings. Downtown Larkville doesn’t have many specialty shops. Not enough to bring people off the highway to spend money.” She waved her hand. “But that’s far off in the future. Maybe when Brady’s in school all day.”

  Johnny knew some people had their entire lives mapped out. A home, business…family. He thought back to his past. The hurt and tears he’d caused someone he’d truly cared about because he didn’t want to settle down. A lonely ache gripped his chest.

  “What about you, Johnny Jameson? Do you think you’ll ever put down roots, and let people bring their horses to you?”

  He shook his head. “It’s easier to go to the problem horse. And I can charge extra for travel. Besides, I like going to different parts of the country.”

  “Where do you come from?”

  He shrugged. “That’s a little hard to answe
r. My mom moved around a lot. I’m not really sure where she had me. She said it was a small town in the Texas panhandle, around Amarillo.”

  Jess gave him a puzzled look. “Is your mother still alive?”

  “Can’t honestly answer that, either,” he said, thinking about the mean lowlife who’d beat her. “We parted company a long time ago.”

  She went to him. “Ah, Johnny. I’m sorry.”

  He tensed when her hand touched his arm. He was feeling too raw, and it would be so easy to take her comfort. “Don’t be. It was a long time ago. I haven’t been that kid for a long time.”

  Her deep gaze had him wondering what it would be like to get lost in her.

  “What about your dad?” she asked.

  “You’re just full of questions tonight.”

  “Just getting to know you,” she offered.

  He started to protest, then relented. “Seems old Jake never wanted to be found. Not by his son, anyway.” Why was he suddenly spilling his guts? “Hey, sometimes it’s better to cut bait and move on.” He looked at her. “In my family we’re not like the Calhouns—we never put down roots.”

  “Maybe you should think about it.” She moved in closer, giving him a look that could only mean trouble. For him. “Larkville is a nice place to settle down.” She placed her hand on his chest. “You could probably do well for yourself.”

  He laid his hand over hers, but didn’t move it right away. Did she feel his pounding heart? Did she know she caused it?

  He finally stepped away. At the sound of his name on her lips, he turned back to her. He needed to do something to scare her off. To let her know that he could hurt her.

  Yet, when he saw that combination of innocence and desire in her eyes, he cupped her face in his hands, bent down and kissed her. No soft brush this time, he captured her mouth with all the hunger Jess Calhoun had caused in him since he’d first laid eyes on her.

  Catching her gasp, he pressed his tongue into her sweet mouth. Her hands went to his chest and he felt the heat through his shirt. Finally her arms circled his neck and she opened her mouth so he could deepen the kiss.

  By the time he pulled away, he was dizzy, but quickly coming to his senses. “Damn, woman. I think I better get out of here before I get us both into trouble.”

  When Jess started to speak, he placed a finger against those well-kissed lips. “Good night, Jess.”

  * * *

  Johnny had slept like hell, and it showed during the morning workout with Storm. He’d had trouble keeping the stallion focused on his task. Okay, he knew he could expect to have bad days. That didn’t mean he had to like it, especially when he knew it’d been his fault for letting Jess Calhoun get to him. For letting her occupy his thoughts when he had a job to do.

  It was hard not to think about the kisses they’d shared last night. Thank God he’d been smart enough to stop things with Jess when he had, or he might have ended up with an awkward morning with his boss. He closed his eyes. He didn’t need the complication.

  He stepped out of the corral to give the stallion and himself a break.

  Wes came up to him. “Someone is trying to get your attention.”

  Johnny glanced toward the house and saw Brady waving at him. He waved back. He also caught sight of Jess on the porch. She was in the distance, but he could see she was dressed in hip-hugging jeans and boots today. Not that she didn’t look good in them, but he’d also enjoyed seeing those gorgeous legs of hers at the dance.

  “Jess seemed to have a good time at the dance last night,” Wes commented.

  “Yeah, I guess she did.” He placed a hand on the metal railing, aware of the horse pacing in the arena behind him. “We both did,” Johnny said. When he saw Jess heading toward them, he felt a stirring inside.

  She hugged her heavy jacket around her against the winter cold.

  “Hey, Jess,” Johnny greeted her.

  “Hi, Wes. Johnny. I don’t want to disturb either of you, but if you have a minute…”

  “Sure,” Wes said.

  “Not a problem, Storm’s working off some frustration.”

  That brought a smile to her pretty mouth, reminding him of how good she’d tasted last night.

  He shook away the direction of his thoughts. “What do you need?”

  “Brady has been talking nonstop about learning to ride. So I’m taking your advice, Johnny, and starting Brady out with a pony.”

  “Well, I’ll be damned.” Wes grinned. “Clay would have loved that.”

  She turned toward the foreman. “Wes, Brady’s birthday is at the end of the month. Do you think you could find Brady a pony?”

  “Great idea.” The foreman took off his hat, and ran a hand over his short hair. “The Carson Ranch has a couple. Do you think Brady would like to pick it out himself?”

  Jess smiled and Johnny felt a tightening in his gut. “What do you think?”

  Wes laughed. “He is a lot like his grandfather in that respect. Likes to make his own decisions. I’ll go give Carson a call and let you know.” The foreman left them and headed toward the barn.

  Johnny watched as emotions played across Jess’s face. “My dad would have loved taking Brady for his first ride.”

  He wished the man was here for her, too. “Hey, your daddy will always be with the boy,” Johnny said. “And doesn’t Brady have great memories of him and Clay together?”

  “I’m sorry. Brady’s been lucky. You hadn’t even gotten the chance to meet your father.”

  Jess watched him shrug as if it didn’t matter. Oh, it mattered all right, even more than he let on. She was beginning to see there was more to this man than his way with horses. More to the reason he’d been going from place to place trying to fit somewhere.

  “It’s okay. Some men aren’t cut out to be fathers. He was lucky to have Clay to teach him the things that are important in life. Like love and respect, being truthful.”

  “You’re right.” She sighed, then turned to him. “Johnny, Brady would love to start those riding lessons you talked about. If you’re available, of course I’ll pay for your time.”

  Johnny shook his head. “I won’t take payment for something I promised the boy.”

  “But—”

  “No, I won’t take any more of your money.”

  Jess didn’t know what it was about this man. He was so different than what she’d expected when she first met him. From the way he made her feel, to how he treated her son. She nodded. “My son can be a handful,” she told him. “And he still might never get on a horse.”

  “Oh, you might be surprised.” He smiled at her and there was that flutter in her stomach again. “From what I’ve seen so far, he’s a Calhoun through and through.”

  “It’s you, Johnny. You challenge him to do things. I guess I treat him like a baby still.”

  “You’re excused because you’re his mother.”

  There were so many things she hadn’t been able to give him. “I should be teaching him how to be independent, too.”

  “He’ll get there.” Johnny leaned closer. “Look how he’s fighting everyone about riding. That’s why I want to help him. He’s ready, Jess. Let him prove himself.”

  For the first time in a long time she trusted another man outside of her family. “Okay, I agree. Would you like to come for supper and we can tell him the news?”

  Considering what happened between them last night, Johnny wondered if he should keep his distance. “You don’t need to feed me all the time.”

  “I know, but you’re doing a big favor for me.”

  Behind them, Storm gave an impatient whinny and he knew that restless feeling when it came to this woman. “Well, if you’re guaranteeing dessert, of course I’ll be there.”

  “Do you have a favorite?”

  Johnny tried not to react. “Surprise me.”

  * * *

  “Okay, your Dutch apple pie is my new favorite.” Johnny pushed aside his empty plate and leaned back in the chair.

&nbs
p; Jess couldn’t help but be pleased the man liked her cooking. “It was my dad’s favorite, too.”

  “It’s mine, too,” Brady said, making sure they didn’t forget that he was at the table.

  “Every dessert is your favorite,” Nancy said as she cleared away the dishes and brought back the coffeepot and refilled their mugs.

  “I don’t like coconut cream pie.” The boy made a face. “It’s icky.”

  “You make coconut cream pie?” Johnny asked Jess.

  She nodded.

  “Man, between Nancy’s cooking, and these desserts, I may never leave the Double Bar C.”

  “Good.” Brady’s face lit up. “You can train all the horses at the ranch. Can’t he, Mom?”

  Jess couldn’t stop her son’s hero worship, even if she tried. “I bet he could,” she agreed, but knew he would have other jobs to go to somewhere else. Why did it matter to her that he had to leave?

  Johnny took a sip of his coffee. “First of all, I need to help Storm. And I hear that a little boy needs to learn how to ride.”

  Brady grinned. “That’s me.”

  “You sure about this?” Wes asked.

  The child nodded. “Yes. I’m almost five. A lot of the kids in my school know how and Tucker Carson has a pony. Topper.”

  Jess couldn’t believe she was saying this. “So do you think you’d like a pony for your birthday?”

  Brady’s brown eyes widened. “Oh, boy. Can I?”

  She nodded. “Wes can take us to find one you like.”

  “Yeah. Can Johnny go, too?”

  Johnny jumped in. “Sure, I’d like that.”

  Brady gave a fist pump. “It’s gonna be the best birthday ever.”

  Jess’s heart swelled, seeing her son so happy. She looked at Johnny, knowing he was one of the reasons. She wasn’t sure if that was good news or bad news. When his job was finished he’d move on. Where would that leave her and her son?

  CHAPTER SIX

  LATER that night, Johnny pulled up next to the small SUV beside the bakery and went up the steps leading to the second-story apartment and Jess’s home.