by C. J. Miller
Declan wondered if their property winning streak would end with La Bonne Vie.
That house had been cursed from before he’d bought it. The ghosts of the people Livia had killed and harmed haunted the grounds. Declan had been trying to make a point to himself, and maybe to Livia Colton, that he was in charge. He was powerful and he could have what Livia couldn’t.
Now that sentiment felt stupid.
Declan didn’t want to be in Shadow Creek. There was nothing here for him. While the spring on the property made it a prime piece of real estate, the costs associated with tearing down La Bonne Vie were substantial. Making that money back in the acreage would be tough. Jade had suggested he sell to Mac and Thorne. Not out of the realm of possibility, and he would avoid zoning issues, but certainly he wouldn’t recoup his investment selling it as farmland.
Saying no to Jade was tough. She was an intelligent and warm woman. Feisty and passionate. Though his work schedule was too intense for some, he guessed hers was similar. From what she had indicated, she did a lot of the heavy lifting around the farm herself.
He wasn’t getting work done. His thoughts circled on Jade Colton. Leaving the B and B, Declan climbed into his black car. He hadn’t fully thought out his plan until he was driving to Hill Country Farm.
The white fence around her property had the ability to close across the main driveway, but they were open. He guessed she didn’t often close them, a practical matter since they weren’t automated. Declan parked next to the training ring and went in search of Jade.
She was easy to find. First place he looked. She was in her stables, cleaning them.
“Need a hand?” he asked.
She looked up, gloves to her elbows, rake in hand and laughed. “This is one of the most unpleasant jobs on the farm. I can’t ask you to help.”
“That’s okay. I don’t mind. And you didn’t ask. I’m offering.”
Jade leaned on her rake. “I’m almost finished. But if you’re staying, I have more things to do. You’re welcome to help.”
Spending the afternoon with her was infinitely more appealing than reviewing property proposals. “I’d like that.” He was glad he was wearing casual clothes. A T-shirt and shorts would keep him cool.
They talked easily while Jade finished the last stall.
Declan heard noise outside the stable. He and Jade exchanged looks. “Stay here. I’ll see what the ruckus is about,” he said.
It sounded like chanting, almost like a protest was taking place. If it was Livia, odd to announce herself loudly. Declan would love to face off against the woman.
It wasn’t Livia Colton. At the end of the driveway, walking back and forth between the open fence posts, was a group of eight people, holding fluorescent yellow and pink colored posters. They were chanting, “Coltons not wanted. Leave our town.”
Declan walked closer. They were standing at the foot of the driveway on the road. Not technically on Hill Country property. Jade didn’t need this stress. It was Sunday. Didn’t people take a day off from complaining? Sheriff Jeffries had mentioned a support group at work in the town. Was this them or another one formed to make the lives of the Coltons harder? Declan walked down the driveway, contemplating getting his car, gunning the engine for show and forcing them to flee. “Excuse me.” When he reached the edge of the property, he folded his arms across his chest.
The chanters glanced in his direction, but continued yelling.
The farm closest to Jade wouldn’t hear them. This was a wasted effort if they thought they could run Jade out of town. “I assume you are here to make a point. Your point has been made. Now go.”
The protesters ignored him. Declan had dealt with a similar situation involving a property he had purchased a few years ago. The group opposing his ideas hadn’t stopped development, but they had been annoying and had brought unfavorable media coverage.
The chanting grew louder and two of the women in the group turned and shouted.
Declan looked over his shoulder. Standing in the driveway, rake still in hand, was Jade Colton. The expression on her face conveyed her devastation. Her hair was piled on her head, pieces escaping down the side. Her jean shorts and T-shirt were caked with mud.
Declan walked toward her, wanting to give her support. He slipped his arm around her waist. He wanted her to know he would support her regardless of what a bunch of angry people near her driveway said. “Let’s go back to the barn. They’ll get tired and leave.”
“They want me to leave town?” Jade asked.
Declan should have known it wouldn’t have been that easy for Jade to let it go. It was unsettling to know a group of people, especially people who didn’t know her personally, were out on a Sunday to scream negativity at her. “That seems to be their point, yes.”
“Who are they?” Jade asked.
Declan had read about the support group online after Sheriff Jeffries had mentioned it. It had formed after Livia Colton’s crimes were brought to light. She had psychologically damaged people, torn apart families and ruined lives. “This has nothing to do with you. It’s your mother.”
Speaking the words, he heard the truth in them. At some point since meeting her, Declan had stopped lumping Jade and the Coltons into one big group. Seeing Jade as a woman separate from her mother and siblings was a huge step for him. She was different from Livia, warm and genuine, unassuming and kind. Having her in his life had bettered it.
“I didn’t leave Shadow Creek because this is my home. I know people in town think badly of me and my siblings. But I haven’t done anything wrong.”
Her hands trembled and she looked back over her shoulder at the people carrying signs. Their words were harder to make out from a distance. “We can call the sheriff if you want.”
Jade shook her head. “He won’t help. They aren’t on my property and the sheriff hates the Coltons anyway.”
Declan didn’t deny it. Sheriff Jeffries had a chip on his shoulder about the Coltons. Whether it was because of the trouble Livia had brought to town or that Knox was running against him for sheriff, Jade had the right idea. She had to cope with this on her own. Unless the protesters openly threatened her, she had to ignore it the best she could.
They returned to the stables. Declan took the rake from her hand. He continued what she had been doing, mimicking her actions.
Jade seemed distracted and Declan didn’t blame her. While they went through her chores, she half explained them, half spoke about her life as a Colton. None of it was good. Living in a big house and having money didn’t make up for their mom’s emotional negligence or the impact of her criminal life. From what Jade explained, she had never felt comfortable or safe in La Bonne Vie. Livia’s behavior was hard to predict and she could be volatile and angry.
By early evening, Declan had to sit down. His back was aching and his legs were sore. He’d worked out with a personal trainer in Louisiana, but working on the farm for hours was much harder, using muscles he didn’t know he had. “You may have miles to go, but what do you say we take a break and I treat you to a dinner at El Torero’s?” About now, the local Mexican restaurant was sounding amazing. Declan could taste the nachos supreme and cold beer.
Jade looked at the sky. “I’m sorry, Declan. I’ve kept you all day. I didn’t mean to chatter. I should treat you to dinner.”
Wasn’t going to happen. Talking about her life had seemed to help her calm down. He was glad this had helped her. “I enjoyed talking with you. And you’ve taught me about running a farm. Namely, it’s not for the weak.”
Jade laughed. “My farm is much simpler than a lot of farms and ranches around here. There’s so much to do and not enough time.”
It wasn’t the first time she had mentioned being short-staffed. He wondered if she preferred to work alone. A strange paradox; she might not want help in the sense that
working alone gave her complete control, but she might want help to give herself time off.
“You work hard. I’ve seen that clearly,” Declan said.
“But it’s enough for now. I skipped lunch.”
Declan wished she would slow down. He understood her urgency. He had been like that when he’d started his business. But she would burn out or hurt herself if she didn’t relax now and then. “I can’t stop thinking about spicy enchiladas and lime rice and beans,” Declan said. In every town where he had worked on a real estate project, he visited local restaurants. It was one of the upsides of traveling: food experiences and meeting the locals. El Torero’s was one of his favorites in Shadow Creek.
“Now I’m thinking of tacos too,” Jade said. “Let me lock up and grab my keys. We’ll have to make it fast though. I need to feed my animals before dark.”
* * *
Fifteen minutes into her meal with Declan at El Torero’s, Jade realized that she might be on a date.
She had washed her hands and changed her clothes, but hadn’t done anything with her hair or taken a shower. Self-consciousness crept over her. It hadn’t dawned on her to dress up. She had been thinking about her horses and had been relieved that the protesters had moved on before she’d left the house.
Looking at them and having them screaming hurtful words was too much. Though Jade had come to terms with her mother’s true nature years before, it seemed to follow her. She couldn’t escape it. Leaving Shadow Creek would put distance between her and some of the problems, but Jade didn’t want to abandon her siblings, and she shouldn’t have to run away because of what her mother had done.
If she moved, it would be because she wanted to. Because of a good opportunity. Not because she was trying to escape the past.
El Torero’s was like other Mexican restaurants with a dark interior and the smell of onions and peppers heavy in the air. On the walls were painted murals that needed touching up. Jade had been to the restaurant dozens of times and eating here had never felt special. Until tonight.
The votive candle in the yellow glass with brass etching seemed romantic. The white linen tablecloths were pressed and clean. Even the waiters in their black outfits moved like a dance, darting to tables and taking orders quickly and efficiently. Being with Declan put an entirely different spin on the drudgery that was life in a small town.
Jade wished she had mentioned something to Maggie, Leonor, Allison or Claudia. Even a quick text and they would have mentioned a shower. Rookie mistake, not thinking ahead. Declan didn’t seem bothered by her appearance. Maybe it wasn’t that bad.
Sitting across from Declan, she took a minute to drink him in. He was so handsome and sweet, it was hard not to fall for him in that instant. She caught herself and tried to derail that train of thought. Until she knew what he wanted from her or how long he would be in Shadow Creek, she would be smart to guard her heart.
Jade looked away from Declan, realizing she was staring. She spotted Allison and Knox at a table in the back of the restaurant. “My brother and Allison are here. Do you mind if I say hi?” Walking away for a minute would give her time to think. Maybe she could even ask Allison if this was a date. Jade should know, but she wasn’t sure. Her mishaps in romance came to mind. Misreading a situation was her forte.
“Sure. I’ll go with you,” Declan said. He leaned back in his chair and looked so casual and confident.
Asking Allison about Declan in front of him wouldn’t work. Jade threaded through the tables and around booths and arrived at Knox and Allison’s table. She felt Declan behind her and she was self-conscious all over again about her messy hair.
“Hey, guys,” Jade said.
“What are you doing here?” Knox asked. He glanced over Jade’s shoulder and he straightened. “Declan.”
“Good evening. I hope we’re not disturbing your meal,” Declan said.
Knox and Allison each had a margarita in front of them and a plate of nachos between them.
Allison smiled warmly. “You’re not disturbing us. Mac and Evelyn are hanging out with Cody. He was asking Mac a thousand questions about the horses and Mac offered to keep him for a few hours so Knox and I could be alone.”
“I just wanted to say hi,” Jade said.
Allison pointed between Jade and Declan. “I thought I saw something the other day at La Bonne Vie between you two.”
Jade tensed. “This isn’t a date.” She felt almost like she had to defend herself or explain the situation. This couldn’t be a date. It was a letdown to think her first official date with Declan, who she was crushing on big-time, was happening while her shoes were covered in mud and she was dirty and sweaty from a day of work.
“I wasn’t...” Allison glanced at Knox as if to say, help.
Knox cleared his throat. “It’s just unusual for Jade to be out with a man.”
Allison gave him an exasperated look and Jade felt her cheeks heating.
“What Knox means is that we didn’t expect to see you here.”
Jade shifted on her feet, wishing she had stayed at her and Declan’s table.
“We won’t keep you. I’ll see you at work tomorrow, Allison,” Declan said.
Then he set his hand on Jade’s hip in a decidedly date-like way. He steered her toward their table.
Declan didn’t bring up her comment about this being a date and she let it pass. Maybe he hadn’t heard her.
After talking for a few minutes, Jade relaxed again and forgot about her brother and the mud on her shoes and her hair. She lost herself in Declan’s green eyes and bright smile.
* * *
When they arrived back at the farm, Jade was nervous. She felt like she had flubbed their first date. Declan had been acting boyfriend-like. Long glances, listening intently and sitting close to her. When he looked at her, she felt like the only woman in the world.
As she climbed out of Declan’s car, her legs felt weak. A date ended with a kiss. He might kiss her. She wanted him to. If he didn’t, she would chalk it up to tonight’s trip to El Torero’s being a casual meal between friends.
They had lingered at the restaurant longer than she had expected. The conversation had flowed and when she had stopped being nervous, she had enjoyed Declan’s company more than she had enjoyed anyone’s in a long time.
Running to the stable to check her horses or dashing to the barn to feed her animals and busying herself would avoid the situation. Nerves were getting the best of her. Jade waited on her side of the car. She took a deep breath.
Declan circled around toward the stable and she stayed at his side. Disappointment streamed through her. Just a goodbye. He wasn’t planning to stick around after a day of gritty work or acting like he wanted to kiss her. His strong stride and his confidence were magnetic.
“I hope I didn’t keep you out too long,” Declan said. “I thought it would be a quick meal.”
Jade unlocked the stable door, focusing on that and trying to hide the disappointment that had to be clear on her face. “I had fun. I have the last feeding and then I’ll hit the showers.”
Declan plucked the front of his shirt. “I must smell like hay.”
She shook her head. “Nope. You somehow managed to work all day here and you smell and look terrific.”
Sliding open the doors, she entered the stable.
“Need help?” Declan asked.
She shook her head and walked backward while speaking to him. “I got it from here. Thank you though. For helping with the farm and for dinner.” The incident with the protesters earlier in the day ran through her mind, but she beat it back.
“I could wait until you’re inside,” Declan said.
He must have sensed her unease, but he couldn’t be her shadow around the clock. If she wasn’t safe in her home and on her farm, she wouldn’t truly fe
el safe anywhere. “I’m okay.” Now that she was back on familiar territory, she was thinking too much about how she wished she would have handled the night and scrutinizing it.
“Good night, then,” Declan said. He turned to leave.
Jade leaned against one of the stalls, feeling like there wasn’t enough oxygen in the room. A few deep breaths, finish the day and then wine and a shower. Declan was being friendly and she had built up his intentions in her head. She had constructed a romance between them, but it was one-sided. Thankfully, he didn’t know what she had been thinking or he would believe she was ridiculous.
The next time a man showed interest, Jade would make more of an effort. Do something to get and keep his attention. Claudia and Maggie would have to give her some advice.
“I changed my mind.”
Jade started at the sound of Declan’s voice, deep and animalistic. Declan was striding into the barn. Before she could ask about what, he was standing in front of her, six foot something of raw masculine energy and power. His arm went around her waist and he lowered his mouth to hers.
The kiss was like from a movie. Passion and heat, sending excitement and emotion spiraling through her body. Her world was shaken and shattered and pulled back together by Declan, irrevocably changed. Their mouths pressed together created a firestorm. The man could kiss. The right amount of pressure and softness, and she tasted a hint of lime. Her body slumped against his. His hand spread open on her lower back and he deepened the kiss.
She was falling for him, tumbling head over heels, going into a complete emotional free fall. Declan was suave and sexy, with only a hint of arrogance, which might be well deserved. He was class and style and sophistication and still warm and sweet to her.
His other hand moved into her hair and tilted her head back. Every nerve ending in her body reacted to the way he touched her.
She would have stripped naked in the stable if he’d asked her to. One kiss and he had control.
Too soon, he broke away, brushed his lips to hers and relaxed his arms around her. Staying close, she set her hands on his chest.
