by Julie Benson
How could Ty say no after that? Of course he never thought anything would happen to both Jack and Chloe.
Guilt came on the heels of the memory. While he’d met with Cassie a few times since the funeral and kept a close eye on finances, he hadn’t spent time with Ella. That needed to change.
As he scooped up the little girl, he forced himself to smile. His heart tightened at the thought of how alone she was. He’d lost his father, but unlike Ella, he’d had his mom to count on. Ella had one grandmother overwhelmed with a husband in the late stages of Alzheimer’s and a world traveler artist-type aunt.
And him.
“Where’s your aunt?”
His gaze followed where Ella pointed toward the cash register at the end of the bar.
If someone asked him to describe his ideal woman he’d say one with long flowing hair he could run his hands through. She’d be tall enough he wouldn’t get a crook in his neck from bending down to hear her, yet not so tall she looked him straight in the eye. She’d have some meat on her bones so he wouldn’t worry a stiff Texas breeze would carry her off.
Basically he’d describe a woman nothing like Cassandra Reynolds, and yet there was something about her. Her short blonde hair—dang near as short as his—lessened the sharp angles in her features and accentuated her large, expressive green eyes. Despite the fact she looked as if she’d gotten dressed in the dark with the odd color combinations, layers and large flowing skirts, the style had an appeal and fit her personality. The woman was a bundle of energy and femininity that would drive a man to distraction if she didn’t drive him crazy first.
“Does your Aunt Cassie know you left to come see me?” When he glanced into Ella’s clear eyes, she shook her head, her ponytails swinging from side to side, nearly slapping him in the face. He had the feeling something was wrong. More than just sadness over losing her parents. Usually the munchkin talked a mile a minute.
“Crunchie misses you,” he said. Crunchie, short for Captain Crunch, his paint pony and Ella were fast friends from when her father brought her to The Bar 7 to go horseback riding. His gut tightened as the child’s eyes widened, but she remained silent.
No doubt about it. Something wasn’t right. Usually if he mentioned Crunchie, Ella started pestering him about coming over to ride. His guilt kicked up a notch. He should’ve been asking how she was doing. Spending time with her instead of assuming Cassie would let him know if there were problems. Especially since he knew firsthand what trauma could do to a child.
“I’m glad to see you, but you can’t go anywhere without telling your aunt. Now let’s join her before she starts to worry.”
*
As Cassie stood at the bar waiting to pick up dinner, the sounds of families sharing a meal and friends enjoying each other’s company mixed with country music from the ceiling speakers attacked her frayed nerves. The Horseshoe Grill was a down home family place, but then most establishments in Wishing were. Simple, worn wooden tables and serviceable chairs. Saddles, rope, and neon beer signs for décor. A far cry from the delis and restaurants she’d frequented in New York where people rushed in, grabbed a quick bite and blew out. Here dinner was a social event, a chance to catch up with practically everyone in town.
Normal every day life in small town Texas. Cassie squeezed her eyes shut as loneliness pinched her heart. At times, she could pretend Chloe and Jack were gone for a romantic weekend and she was staying with Ella until they returned.
Then there were nights like tonight when memories bombarded her, sending her into a tailspin. The last time she’d been here Chloe had been excited about her business venture with Ty offering packages including a stay at the bed and breakfast along with the “cowboy experience” at his ranch. Cassie had shared how thrilled she was that her urban architecture series was selling. While they talked, Jack and Ella, a true blue daddy’s girl, played pool.
The bartender arrived with her food, pulling Cassie away from her memories. She smiled as she handed him the signed credit card receipt, picked up her order and turned to tell Ella they were ready to go. Only her niece wasn’t there. Razor sharp fear raced through her.
Oh, Lord. I’ve only been responsible for her for a month, and now I’ve lost her.
Don’t panic. That never helps.
Since she’d picked Ella up in Orlando after the crash, except for school, the child hadn’t strayed farther than two feet from her side. She had to be here. Cassie’s heart beating the way it did after a good Pilates class, she scanned the crowded restaurant. Then she spotted Ella near the pool tables in Ty’s arms.
After her relief subsided and she started breathing again, her heart did that little flutter thing again as she stared at the cowboy dressed in a blue plaid shirt, Wranglers, and boots. What was up with that? Maybe she’d developed some kind of heart condition. One triggered by a certain good-looking cowboy?
Right. People came down with those heart problems every day.
Of course she appreciated a good-looking man. With dark hair and eyes, Ty possessed a rugged, chiseled face and a tall, muscular body without being the fake I-work-out-every-chance-I-get type, and the artist in her dreamed of painting him. The cowboy definitely qualified as first-rate eye candy. Too bad the handsome face and great body came with an all work and no play, stubborn, know-it-all personality.
When she reached the pair, Cassie said, “Ella, sweetie, I was worried when I turned around and you were gone.”
“I told her while I was glad to see her she can’t go anywhere without letting you know.”
“Ty’s right. I need to know where you are at all times.” Because that was her primary job now. To make sure nothing happened to Ella. To see she reached adulthood. No pressure there for someone who’d been too scared to get a goldfish.
“I also said Crunchie misses her.”
“I know all about Captain Crunch. I hear he likes hugs and is one of the smartest horses on your ranch. Isn’t that right, Ella?”
She smiled at her niece and resisted the urge to beg Ella to say something. Anything. Even the simple word yes, but instead her niece nodded, her gaze almost vacant. Gone was the sparkle, the innocence that once shone there. Then Ella shoved her thumb in her mouth, and Cassie bit her lip to quell her disappointment.
Her gaze locked with Ty’s, concern evident in his warm, brown eyes. And something else. Understanding.
“How about you bring Ella over tomorrow afternoon to visit Crunchie?”
Cassie pulled her gaze away from Ty’s and turned to her niece. Eyes so similar to Chloe’s her heart ached, but now Ella’s eyes flickered with excitement and interest. Something Cassie hadn’t seen much of the last month.
Ella loved horseback riding. Maybe it would be a way to reach her niece. Something to build on. If nothing else, the outing might help them forget for a while and let them have fun. Something else that used to be easier to do. Right now she’d take that and call it a win. “Would you like to see Crunchie?”
Ella nodded.
“Good. How about you and Aubrey go riding while your aunt and I talk?”
Cassie stiffened. Hold the horses, cowboy. That wasn’t what she had in mind. “I don’t know. Ella hasn’t been comfortable with many people lately.”
“She and Aubrey have known each other for years. She’s babysat for Ella, but it’s up to her. What do you say Ella? Do you mind going riding with Aubrey? If it’s not, that’s fine, too.” Ty glanced down at the child and received another small nod. He turned to Cassie. “We need to hammer out your responsibilities with the business and decide when to start booking guests.”
Their budget discussion had left her dazed, confused, and discouraged. She wasn’t sure she was strong enough for round talking about her duties with the inn and having guests. The walls closed in on Cassie, squeezing out her ability to breathe, making her head ache from lack of oxygen. She knew she should tell him the truth, but now wasn’t the right time. Like there would be a good time?
“I kn
ow we need to talk about that, but what’s important now is Ella. She and I always talked about going horseback riding, but we haven’t gotten around to it. We could both use some fun, and horseback riding—”
“It’s not going to work this time, Cassie,” Ty said, cutting off her. “I’ve let you put this off too long as it is. You need to reopen the inn. You need the money.”
Chapter Two
‡
Cassie resisted the urge to squirm at Ty’s words and the stern set of his chin, both of which left her feeling as she had in middle school when she’d spun a tale about why she didn’t have her homework. Her teachers had seen right through her as Ty was now. She’d expected him to catch onto her delay tactics. The man wasn’t a fool, but she’d hoped to prolong the inevitable, and she never expected him to openly call her on her ploy.
“I can’t keep booking clients with other bed and breakfasts, or we’ll lose them permanently.”
She thought about trying to dissuade him, but one thing she’d learned in the month she’d been in Wishing was once Ty set his mind to something there was no moving him. The determined set of his jaw told her how futile any attempt would be.
She plastered a smile on her face, just as determined to show him he couldn’t get to her, and said, “Then we’ll see you Sunday afternoon. Now, miss, we need to go before our dinner gets cold.”
“Speaking of that—”
“Save the lecture, Ty. I’ve cut back on take out, and I’m within budget food wise. Now Ella and I really have to go.”
Thankfully, he dropped the subject, but when he tried to set Ella down, she refused to let go. Her little arms tightened around his neck, her legs remained locked around his waist and she buried her face in his flannel shirt.
“Ella, your aunt said it’s time to leave, and I need to return to my friends. We’re playing pool, and I bet it’s my turn.”
At that Ella perked up, glanced toward the game room and pointed.
“Do you want to play pool?” Cassie asked.
Ella nodded.
“You said you wanted to leave.” Ty tried again to put Ella down, but the child stuck to him as if she were attached with Velcro.
“I’ve changed my mind. Ella and I could use some fun right now. I say we eat in the game room and play one game of pool.” Her niece’s face brightened, her smile resembling the ones she used to wear almost non stop as she shimmied out of Ty’s arms.
“One quick game and then we’re outta here,” Cassie said. “Deal?”
*
All Ty could think was Cassie was as consistent as the Texas weather, and the last thing Ella needed was an aunt she could wrap around her little finger. Cassie was one of those free-spirited types who probably thought rules stifled a child and were meant to be broken. Didn’t she realize structure, stability, and rules were what Ella needed most because they’d create order out of the child’s chaotic world?
Ty glanced over his shoulder, noting all the pool tables were in use, not that Cassie had checked that out before promising Ella they could play. The woman did like to leap before she looked. The best way to get these two on their way and get his night back on track was to let them temporarily commandeer his table. “Since all the tables are busy, you can use ours.”
“That would be great,” Cassie said a big smile on her face as she linked hands with Ella and the two practically skipped off for the game room, leaving him to follow like a lap dog.
When he reached the game room, Cassie had situated Ella on a stool at his table and was introducing herself. At the beaming faces of his besotted buddies, a feeling of impending disaster swept through Ty.
“Sorry to barge in, but Ella wanted to play pool and since all the tables were full, Ty graciously offered yours for a quick game.” Then she tossed him a sly grin.
Graciously? The overly sweet tone in her voice paired with that grin? Now she was just yanking his chain. The little kitten liked to use her claws.
“Barge in? Hardly. A pretty women like you couldn’t do that,” Zane said going into player mode. Ty shook his head. The poor fool couldn’t help himself.
As Ty positioned himself a few feet away, Cassie dug dinner out and placed a chicken strip and fries on a napkin in front of Ella. The child shoved the food away, squeezed her eyes shut, and pursed her lips. Then when she turned, her eyes peeked open the tiniest bit, and she peered at Ty.
She wants to know if I’m going to let her get away with this show.
Her open defiance was new, as was the blatant manipulation. Before her parents’ death Ella had been agreeable and eager to please. An average six-year-old, full of energy and life, but now there was an edge to her. He’d seen the same change in Aubrey after she witnessed her dad being run down helping a stranded motorist. His sister’s anger at the world rolled over everything and everyone. Anger she didn’t know how to handle and couldn’t put into words. While understandable, Ella needed to see there were limits to what she could get away with, and if Cassie wouldn’t set them, he would. He owed Jack that.
“No pool playing until you eat dinner.” He raised his voice to be heard over the restaurant noise, but the booming sound and sharp tone made even him wince. He sounded like a cranky old man. A picture of him, years from now, sitting in a rocker on his porch, yelling at kids who wandered onto his land popped into his head.
“Try a couple bites, sweetie,” Cassie coaxed. “Then we’ll see about playing pool.”
When the child glanced toward him as if seeking his approval, Ty nodded. “Do as your aunt says.”
Hands on her hips, Cassie spun around and flashed him a back off glare. “I don’t need your help, and even if I did, who appointed you the food police?”
“What’re you upset about? I agreed with you.”
“Why am I upset? You really don’t get it?” She shook her head. “It’s none of your business.”
“That’s something else we need to talk about.” His gaze locked with Cassie’s determined green one.
“This is where I draw the line. If you think—”
Someone cleared his throat, cutting off whatever Cassie had been about to say, and Ty realized he’d moved closer. He and Cassie now stood almost toe to toe. How the hell had that happened? He shoved his hands in his pockets and stepped back. Then he noticed his friends glancing between the two of them as if trying to decide whether to take cover or sides.
“Lighten up, you two,” Zane joked, breaking the tension.
“Or go to neutral corners,” AJ added.
The words to tell Cassie Jack wouldn’t want his daughter becoming a master manipulator sat perched on his tongue, but he swallowed them. The game room at The Horseshoe with half the town watching wasn’t the place for their discussion.
After sending him another glare, Cassie turned to his friends. “Do all of you live here in Wishing?”
His buddies started talking all at once to gain Cassie’s attention, with Zane winning the battle by elbowing his way close enough to be heard.
“I live in California and run a computer gaming company.” Zane flashed Cassie his patented smile. The one Ty had seen make women go weak in the knees and forget their own names. As he moved back to a spot against the wall, Ty thought if Zane gave lessons on how picking up women he could retire a millionaire in a week tops.
“Be nice to me, and I’ll name a character after you in our next game,” Zane said as he leaned closer.
Cassie laughed. The bright sound danced over Ty, and he frowned, not liking how much he enjoyed the sound or the fact that another man brought it about.
“That’s a great line. Too bad you wasted it on me,” Cassie said. “Unfortunately for you, I saw you checking out the waitress when I walked over here. I know your type. You’re a BBD.”
“What’s that?” Cooper asked.
“BBD is short for bigger better deal. This guy here”—she hooked her thumb toward Zane—“is never satisfied. Whatever woman he’s with only has part of his attention. Th
e rest is focused on checking out every woman within fifty feet to see if he can cut a bigger better deal with someone else.”
“Admit it, Zane. She’s got you pegged.” AJ clapped his friend on the back.
“Direct hit, I’d say,” Coop added.
Maybe there was more to Cassie, Ty thought. Not many women saw through Zane’s shallow flattery and shiny beads routine, and those rare few usually had one of two responses. They either didn’t care because of his pretty boy good looks or they believed they could change him. How odd that Cassie, a woman who hadn’t shown much common sense as far as he could tell, realized the truth that for Zane, it was all about the chase and the challenge.
Ty glanced at Ella. With the adults stood clustered around her talking and no longer acting as her audience she’d eaten almost one chicken strip.
“Don’t worry about Zane. He’ll use the line again. Probably later tonight,” AJ said, pulling Ty back to the conversation. “I work for the FBI. I could tell you about my job—”
“But then I’d have to kill you,” Ty and the rest of the group finished for him.
“What I was going to say was talking about my work isn’t a good subject considering the present company.” AJ nodded toward Ella who sat munching on her French fries.
“That’s very considerate of you.” Cassie smiled at AJ, one of those brilliant, feminine smiles full of white teeth that lit up her eyes. She sure had pretty green eyes when she smiled. Not that Ty had seen her look like this. With him she was contrary, but with his friends she was all smiles and laughter.
