Josh

by R. C. Ryan

  An hour later they joined the family for breakfast.

  In Sierra’s hand was a big manila folder.

  Cole looked up from where he stood holding a mug of steaming coffee. “What’s that?”

  “Some pictures.” Sierra opened the folder and began laying out the photos she’d taken during roundup. “Some of these are grainy. I’ll play with them on my computer until they’re more polished.”

  Everyone gathered around to study and make comments.

  “Look at you, Pa.” Jake held up a picture of Cole astride his big gelding, turning a stray cow back to the herd.

  The photo showed the strain and sweat on Cole’s face as he leaned far down in the saddle, coaxing the errant cow along.

  “And look at this.” Josh pointed to the flecks of snow and grass flying around the hooves of the running cattle. “How did you manage this?”

  “It took a little time to get the focus just right.” Sierra couldn’t hide the pleasure and pride she felt in knowing that he’d recognized the skill required for that shot.

  In picture after picture they laughed or exclaimed or nodded approval at the images she’d captured on film.

  “Here you are, Big Jim.” Cole held up a photo of his father steering a line of cattle back to the main herd after they’d bolted. “When did this happen?”

  “When you were busy with the rest of the herd,” the older man said. “Old Blue and I had to push hard to get ahead of those ornery critters, but we did it.”

  He took the photo from Cole’s hand and studied it in the clear morning light, before shaking his head from side to side. “I’ve got to hand it to you, sweetheart. These are amazing photographs. All these details. Clear as a bell. These look like something I’d see in one of those glossy nature magazines.”

  “Why, thank you, Big Jim.” Sierra shot him a dazzling smile. “That’s the highest compliment you could give me.”

  He peered at a speck on the ridge above him and his horse. “What’s this?”

  Sierra studied it and gave a shrug. “It looks like a man kneeling in the snow. But I don’t recall any of the wranglers on foot.”

  The others gathered around to study it and comment.

  Quinn pointed to the herd. “It could be one of the cows that broke free.”

  Jake chuckled. “To me it looks like a guy taking pictures of you taking pictures, Sierra.”

  She lifted the photo to the light and felt her heart stop. “That’s what it looks like to me, too. But instead of a camera, it looks like he’s holding binoculars to his eyes.”

  Josh took it from her hand and turned toward the window. After studying it in the light he nodded. Was it Sierra’s stalker? Watching from Conway land? Had that bastard dared to trespass on their property?

  “Can you enlarge it on your computer?”

  Sierra nodded. “I’ll see what I can do later.”

  “If it turns out to be important, we’ll save it for the chief.”

  Everyone felt the sudden hum of uneasiness.

  To soothe the tension, Jake pointed to a photo of his brother roping a cow, and then another showing the teamwork between Josh and his mount, and yet a third photo as Josh returned the cow to the herd.

  He exchanged a knowing look with Quinn. “There are an awful lot of pictures of Josh in here.” He shot a grin at Sierra. “You sure you aren’t looking to land him a job on Madison Avenue selling manly cologne?”

  That had everyone roaring with laughter.

  Josh took the photos from his hand and looked at them before arching a brow. “I’m certainly looking like one damned fine cowboy in these pictures. Maybe, when I get sick and tired of ranching, I’ll take that job as a pitchman.”

  “And give up your mountains?” Big Jim shot a glance out the window at the Tetons, their peaks ringed with clouds. “I’d give you less than a week in New York before you’d be so lonesome for home you’d be asking me to fly in and save your hide from extreme boredom.”

  Josh nodded his head. “Maybe. But that would be one hell of a memorable week in the big city.”

  “A legend in his own mind,” Jake muttered just as Phoebe called them to eat.

  At the table they passed around platters of steaming sausage and ham, as well as omelets and toast, before digging into their meal.

  “The snow may be gone,” Cole remarked, “but there’s more coming. Look at those clouds over the Tetons.”

  Big Jim nodded. “Even if I didn’t see those clouds, I’d know it in my bones. We’re going to be hit with a big one.”

  Sierra’s eyes widened. “Are you sure?”

  At the older man’s nod she ducked her head.

  He put a hand over hers. “What’re you thinking?”

  She shrugged. “That I’d love to go hiking again during a really big storm. The time I spent on the mountain was surreal. I’ve never seen anything like it. I took some of my best photos ever.”

  Sierra heard the ping announcing a text and removed her phone from her pocket to read it.

  Her appetite suddenly faded. She pushed aside her plate and looked up. “It’s my agent, saying that he’s leaving for the West Coast. He’ll be there for the better part of the month.”

  Big Jim shot a meaningful glance at Josh. “What about your contract?”

  She shrugged. “He said he needs something tangible to show the gallery owners.”

  “Why not send him the pictures you took of the roundup?” Jake asked from across the table.

  “I’m… not ready to let go of them.”

  Was that the truth? she wondered. Or was that all she was prepared to admit to? In truth, her life was in such turmoil, she needed some time here, where she felt safe. Safe from Sebastian. Safe from the constant moving that had become so much a part of her life.

  Or maybe that was another less-than-truthful admission. Maybe what she was really craving was more time with Josh. More time to lie with him, laugh with him, make wild, crazy, passionate love with him.

  She sat in silence a moment, considering what to type in response, before her fingers flew over the keys. “I told him that he can take all the time he wants. I’ll be delayed here for a while longer.”

  “Good girl.” Big Jim lay a hand over hers. “We certainly don’t want to stand in the way of your career, but…”

  He heard the announcement of another text and watched as she read the words before relaxing into a smile.

  “Good news?”

  “Not exactly. But my agent said he’ll be meeting with some gallery operators on the Coast, and when I’m ready to send him a sample of my latest work, he’ll have a few more contacts who may be willing to showcase my photographs.”

  She glanced at Josh and felt her cheeks color at the way he was looking at her.

  Could he read her expression? Was he as happy as she was to know that she was free to stay on, without any pressure from her agent?

  She could hardly contain her relief that she could now relax and simply enjoy her time here, safe and happy and…

  She refused to even think the word loved. But at least here she was accepted and, for now, treated with so much care. That was more than she’d ever dared hope for.

  Big Jim clapped a hand on her shoulder. “I’m thinking, when your agent sees these latest photos you took, he’s going to be negotiating a fat, new contract. Judging from just these few pictures I’ve seen, you’re one damned fine photographer, sweetheart.”

  “Thank you, Big Jim. That’s just so sweet of you.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

  As the others continued their meal, Josh watched as his grandfather touched a finger to his cheek. The old man was practically blushing.

  Sierra was sipping coffee and chatting across the table with Cheyenne, looking for all the world as though she didn’t have a clue that she’d just made Big Jim’s day sweeter.

  It was a very special gift she had, Josh realized. She gave her affection spontaneously, without expecting anything in return. And t
hat generosity of spirit made everyone on whom she bestowed her attention want to shower her with love.

  Including him.

  He was hooked, and had been since he’d first come upon her in that damnable tent in the middle of a blizzard. Even when she’d conned him into believing she had a gun. And after just one night with her, he’d been half in love with her.

  Half in love.

  And now?

  Now he didn’t want to probe his feelings too deeply. He’d grown up with the realization that happiness was fleeting, and that life could change forever in the blink of an eye.

  For now, he would accept the fact that Sierra had agreed to stay on a while longer. And he intended to savor every moment of whatever time they had together.

  He couldn’t wait to get through this day so he could get her alone and explore even more ways to show her all the new and wonderful things he was feeling.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  I made the reservations.” Cheyenne got Sierra aside after breakfast.

  “Good. When do we need to leave?”

  “In the next hour. I’ve already managed to persuade Phoebe and Ela. But there’s just one thing.” She grimaced. “Quinn said he’s phoning Chief Fletcher to let him know we’re coming to town. That way, he can decide if it’s safe for you to be there.”

  “That’s the right thing to do. If Quinn hadn’t taken it on himself, I would have called the chief myself. I’ll be sure to thank him.”

  “Don’t be so quick to show your gratitude yet. Quinn also insists that he and Josh are driving us to Paintbrush and following us around like bodyguards.”

  Sierra’s eyes widened. “Tell me you’re kidding.”

  “I’m serious.”

  Sierra put her hands on her hips. “But this was supposed to be our girls’ day.”

  Cheyenne shrugged. “I don’t see that we have a choice if we want to treat Phoebe and Ela to a special day.”

  The two young women hurried off to their rooms to get ready for the day in town. A short time later, when they walked outside, they found Quinn and Josh standing beside one of the ranch trucks.

  When Josh opened the door, Sierra shot him a smile, before holding up a set of keys. “Sorry, gentlemen. I talked to your father and explained that this was a day for ladies only, and he agreed that you’d follow along at your own peril.”

  Josh and Quinn shared a conspiratorial smile before Josh explained, “We talked to Pa, too. The only reason he agreed to let you drive yourselves is because the chief gave his blessing for you to come to town and go anywhere you please.”

  It was Sierra’s turn to be surprised. “Did he say why?”

  “He said he was following up on something, and when he was sure of it he’d call. In the meantime, as long as he says it’s okay to go to town, we won’t stop you. But we’ll be close behind.”

  Sierra handed Josh a manila envelope. “As long as you’re coming to town, you can leave this photo with the police chief.”

  Josh opened the envelope and studied the computer-enlarged photo, showing a man on a hill, clearly watching through binoculars. He looked up. “Do you recognize him?”

  Sierra nodded. “It’s Sebastian.”

  Josh’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll leave it up to Chief Fletcher to determine if he’s in violation of the terms.”

  Sierra touched a hand to his arm. “Either way, as long as the chief is aware of this, he’ll know how to deal with it.” He saw the worry etched in her eyes. “I hope this won’t put a cloud on your plans.”

  “I won’t let it.” She tossed her head, determined not to allow Sebastian to ruin yet another day.

  As Phoebe and Ela climbed into the backseat, Sierra tossed the keys to Cheyenne. “You drive, since you know these roads.”

  Josh slapped his brother on the back. “I’ll get another truck and we’ll follow behind.”

  Minutes later two trucks rolled down the long, curving driveway toward the highway. An hour later, they parked in front of the Paintbrush Salon, where the owner, Mary Lou Healy, a pretty, little, round dumpling of a woman, threw open the door to greet them warmly.

  “Why Phoebe and Ela. In all the years I’ve known you two, this is the first time you’ve ever been in my shop.”

  “And it’ll probably be the last,” Phoebe said, eyeing the two chairs, where Mary Lou’s daughter, Mary Alice, and niece, Justine, stood at attention. A fourth woman, brought in just for the occasion, was introduced as Mary Lou’s younger sister, Beth.

  On the far side of the room, two leather chairs positioned in front of footbaths were already humming, the scented water swirling, emitting clouds of steam.

  “Where would you ladies like to begin?” the dumpling asked.

  “I think their hair first.” Cheyenne took charge when she realized that both Phoebe and Ela were feeling overwhelmed and ready to run out the door. “And then we’ll want manicures and pedicures.”

  Before either Phoebe or Ela could protest, they were being led to the shampoo chairs and draped in pink smocks bearing the name of the salon.

  As Beth began unpinning Ela’s long, intricate braids, the old woman gave her a word of warning. “Don’t even think about cutting my hair.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.” The young woman let out a gasp as the thick, grey braids began unraveling to reveal hair that fell below Ela’s waist.

  Sierra watched as Beth began running a brush through Ela’s hair. “Oh, Ela. What amazing hair. Has it ever been cut?”

  The older woman smiled. “I snip a few strands here and there, if they’re sticking out of my braids. But I’ve never had a real haircut. I’ve never even been in a place like this before.”

  “I hope you can relax,” Beth told her, as she began running warm water into a basin. “I promise to be gentle and to massage your head for as long as you like.”

  Minutes later, when Quinn and Josh poked their heads inside, Cheyenne shooed them away. “I warned you. This place is off limits to the two of you.”

  “We wouldn’t dream of setting foot inside. We just wanted to ask if you need anything at Thibalt’s place.”

  “Not today. Go,” Cheyenne said firmly.

  They turned away. But not before they caught sight of their cook and housekeeper wearing pale pink smocks and sighing contentedly while having their scalps gently massaged.

  “How did you like your shampoo?” Sierra asked, as Beth began drying Ela’s hair.

  “I can’t believe how relaxing it felt.”

  Sierra and Cheyenne exchanged smiles as Beth began braiding the long strands.

  “I’ve been doing that all my life,” Ela told the girl. “I can do it in half the time.”

  “I’m sure you can. But today, I’ve been ordered to pamper you. So, unless you object, I’d like you to just close your eyes and let me do this.”

  The older woman shrugged. “I just thought I could save you some time.”

  “You have all the time in the world,” Phoebe called to her. “At least that’s what Sierra just reminded me.”

  Ela sat back, eyes closed, humming softly to herself while her hair was secured in a perfect braided crown atop her head.

  Minutes later her feet were immersed in warm, scented water, and her hands were being gently massaged by Mary Alice.

  “How about a little color?” Justine held up a bottle of pearl nail polish for Phoebe’s approval.

  Before Phoebe could refuse, Sierra suggested, “Why don’t you dab a bit on her nail and see if she likes it?”

  When the girl did as she’d asked, Phoebe held out her finger, turning it this way and that before smiling. “All right. I guess it isn’t too shocking.”

  “Shocking?” Cheyenne laughed. “Phoebe, bloodred might be a bit of a shock to those fingernails. But pale pearl nail polish is as sedate as that old denim shirt that you favor.”

  That had all of them laughing.

  “What about me?” Getting into the spirit of things, Ela lifted her hands. “Should
I go for green or neon pink?”

  “Definitely the neon,” Cheyenne said.

  “Don’t listen to them,” Ela told Beth. “Whether it’s fingers or toes, I’m not having my nails polished.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Cheyenne and Sierra, already finished with their own manicures and footbaths, were now in the shampoo chairs.

  Cheyenne leaned close to Sierra to whisper, “Look at the two of them. I know they were feeling anxious about all this when the day began, but now that they’ve let go of their fear, they’re having a grand time.”

  Sierra couldn’t hold back the laughter that bubbled up inside her at the sight of those two sweet, hardworking women being fussed over. Without a word she lifted her ever-present camera and captured the images for posterity.

  Two hours of giggling and teasing later, feeling thoroughly pampered, the four women were ready to leave the salon.

  Sierra walked to the counter and opened her wallet.

  Mary Lou shook her head. “Sorry. Cole Conway already phoned me to say that your money is no good here.”

  Sierra stared at her in complete surprise. “What are you talking about?”

  “Cole said he’s paying your bill. And I know better than to argue with a Conway.”

  Sierra knew her mouth was open. Composing herself she said, “All right. I’ll deal with Cole later. At least let me pay the tips for all your workers.”

  “Sorry. Cole’s one step ahead of you.” Mary Lou chuckled. “He insisted that the tips be included. And I know better—”

  “—than to argue with a Conway,” Sierra finished for her. With a shake of her head she said softly, “I’m very grateful, Mary Lou. You made this so much fun for all of us.”

  “It was my pleasure. And believe me, Cole Conway will see that I’m well paid for my service. By the way…” She turned and picked up four glittery bags, each bearing the name of the salon and filled to the brim with soaps and lotions and body washes. “These are included in our spa package.”

  The four were speechless as, with hugs and calls of thanks, they walked out of the salon and loaded their packages in the truck before driving down the street to Flora’s Diner.