“That may be true,” Rayanne said. “But isn’t your school very expensive? Rafe’s mother is a struggling single parent with hungry mouths to feed. She can’t afford to pay his way.”
“But I can,” Luke said.
CHAPTER THREE
Luke didn’t know what possessed him to offer to pay tuition for someone he hadn’t even met. Maybe it was the look of despair in Rayanne’s sagebrush-colored eyes, or maybe that he’d never have his own kid. Either way, it felt right to help.
“The school hasn’t opened yet,” he said. “Cody’s letting Justin hang out and ride in a kind of pre-trial. I think he’d let this kid do the same if I ask.”
“You’d do that?” Hope flared in Rayanne’s eyes, and at that moment he would have done anything she wished.
“I will.” He turned to hobble back to the others. “Let me check with Cody.”
Rayanne strolled beside him. “This is nice of you.”
“I have my moments, but don’t tell anyone and blow my rep.” He winked, then grinned at her.
She laughed, and the sound sent a tingle straight to his groin. “My lips are zipped.”
He glanced at her mouth and had a sudden urge to unzip them with his tongue. What the hell was wrong with him? He hadn’t been with a woman in six months since before the wreck. That had to be the only reason he’d give this gal a second glance. She was cute enough with curly red hair and all kinds of curves made for a man’s hands, but a prim lady wasn’t his type.
Drawing Cody aside, he laid out the story, asking if the teen could spend spring break with them. Cody agreed, just as Luke knew he would. He hopped into the house, then back to Rayanne. “Let’s go get this kid.”
“I came with Laney…my car is at her house…”
“I’ll drive you.” He started toward his truck. “I’ll drop you off over there when we’re done.”
“Okay.” She told Laney her plans, then stopped and stared at his cast. “You can drive with that?”
“Darlin’, I can do anything with it except drop my drawers in a hurry.”
Her cheeks turned red. “Oh.”
It tickled him she was so easy to tease and get flustered, but the truth was his leg hadn’t healed like it should. The cast had been removed three months ago, but when the x-rays showed a still-unhealed break his doctor replaced it. He was scheduled to have it taken off again in a couple of weeks. If it wasn’t ready by then, he’d saw the cast off himself.
He opened the truck door for Rayanne, waited until she climbed in and closed it. Then he crutched around and hopped behind the steering wheel. “Where to?”
“Black Mountain Elementary,” she said. “It’s on Pine.”
~*~
They found Rafe scrubbing the side of the brick building with a power washer. Most of the paint had come off, only faint remnants remained. He continued to spray as they approached.
“Rafe,” Rayanne said.
Only then did he turn off the water and look at her. “Yeah?”
“This is Luke Greer.”
“Howdy.” Luke held out his hand.
Still holding the hose in his left hand, Rafe slowly offered his right. They shook. “Hi.”
Rayanne eyed the gleaming red bricks. “The building looks almost as good as new.”
He sighed. “Mr. Finch says I can’t leave until he says it’s perfect.”
“Have you eaten today, son” Luke asked.
“No.” Rafe’s shoulders slumped and he looked exhausted.
“Put that hose down. You’re going to get some grub before you do anything else,” Luke declared. “I’m buying.”
Guilt gripped Rayanne. It had never occurred to her that Rafe might be hungry. “That’s a wonderful idea,” she said. “Come on, Rafe. I’m starving, too.”
“Mr. Finch—”
“Will understand,” she said firmly. “And if he doesn’t, I’ll speak to him. Now, come along.”
The gangly teen rolled up the hose and place it by the building before the three of them climbed into the truck.
Luke drove them to the Wagon Wheel café and they entered the establishment. A cute teenage waitress hurried toward them, her ponytail bouncing. She smiled brightly, flashing braces. “Hi, Miss Whitfield. Hi, Rafe. Sit anywhere.”
“Thank you, Amber Lyn,” Rayanne said.
They chose a booth near the back corner. Rafe slid into one side, Rayanne and Luke the other. Amber Lyn placed menus in front of them, her curious gaze bouncing between them. “What would you like to drink? And do you know what you want to eat?”
They all settled on iced tea and hamburgers. Amber Lyn practically skipped away to get their drinks. Rafe’s hungry gaze followed her.
Rayanne knew the look—a longing for someone you could never have. He must’ve felt her gaze on him because he glanced her way. He immediately shuttered his eyes. What, or who, had taught him to hide his emotions at such a young age?
For her, it had been the slow realization that she was never going to find a special someone, have children, a family of her own. At almost thirty, the likelihood was slim to none. A sad country song on the old-fashioned jukebox in the corner seemed to illustrate that point.
Luke cleared his throat. “So, Rafe. Miss Whitfield says you’re friends with Justin Ellis.” At Rafe’s slight nod, Luke continued. “He’s spending spring break with my buddy Cody and me. We thought you might like to join us.”
“And do what?” Rafe sounded bored.
“Ride some steers, then bulls, for starters,” Luke said. “Stay out of trouble, for another.”
“I don’t have any gear.”
“I do,” Luke said. “And I’ll loan it to you.”
“Why?”
“Because Miss Whitfield cares about you, and that’s enough for me.”
Rafe looked between them, then snorted. “Really? I ain’t seen her in years. And I don’t know you at all.”
“Do you have anything better to do?” Luke challenged. “Mark up some more buildings? Or, would you like to have some fun with a friend and learn something? A lot of people are paying good money for what I’m offering you for free.”
“Why me?” He crossed his arms over his chest and looked away.
“Maybe because I don’t want to see you end up in jail before you can drive,” Luke said. “If you keep going the way you did today there’s no question it will happen. It’s just a matter of when and where.”
“Your mom would be devastated to lose you.” Rayanne leaned forward and pinned a cool look on him.
Rafe hung his head. “I guess.”
Rayanne wanted to hug him. Instead she toughened her heart. “Take this opportunity, Rafe. One like it doesn’t come around very often.”
“Okay. I’ll do it.” He sounded as if he were being tortured.
Rayanne wanted to cheer. Instead, she smiled. “Good. After lunch, we’ll take you to your mom’s and ask her permission.”
“You said you wouldn’t tell—” Accusation flashed in his eyes.
“And I won’t.” Rayanne made and X over her heart.
Amber Lyn appeared, carrying their meals. She placed their plates in front of them with a sunny smile. “Can I get you anything else?”
“No, thanks.” Rayanne returned her smile.
Luke shook his head. “We’re good.”
Rafe turned scarlet. “No.”
She flipped the end of her ponytail over her shoulder. “Okay. I’ll bring more tea in a few minutes.”
After she left, Rayanne nibbled her burger as her thoughts wandered. What would it be like to have a family with this man? They would work together, just as they had today, to bring up their children. They would be firm, but fair. And most of all, full of love for their offspring. She sighed.
“You okay?” Luke asked, bringing her back to the present.
“Yes, fine.”
He gestured at her plate. “You’re not eating.”
Did he think she ate too much? “I’m not
constantly hungry, you know.”
“I am.” He swiped one of her French fries and popped it into his mouth. “We boys are always growing.” He winked at Rafe. “Right, kid?”
“Uh-huh.” Rafe’s mouth was full, but he nodded enthusiastically.
Rayanne laughed. She couldn’t help it. She swatted Luke’s hand when he reached for her fries again. “Leave those alone.”
His rich chuckle sent a flash of heat straight to her lower abdomen. She forced her attention to her food. Dreaming about things that would never happen only led to heartache.
After lunch, they walked to Luke’s truck and climbed inside.
“Where do you live?” Luke asked Rafe.
“County Road 4.” He slouched in the backseat as if he were afraid of being recognized.
“Turn at the corner of Main and the highway,” Rayanne said. “Then go straight until you see an old wood barn that’s falling down. Turn right there.”
“Got it.”
He followed her directions to the end of Gray Mare Lane, where a sad singlewide sat in an overgrown yard. The hood of a small, rusty car was up with a wiry man working underneath it.
When they parked and approached, he looked their direction with a deep frown. “Rafe, where have you been? Get in the house and help your mama.”
With dragging feet, he obeyed.
“Who are you? And what are you doing with Rafe?” The man’s tone was belligerent.
“Are you his father?” Rayanne knew he wasn’t. She knew he’d left them.
“Nah. Bonita’s my sister.”
“Can we speak to Mrs. Cantera?” Rayanne asked.
“In the house.” He shrugged and turned back to the car.
Rayanne and Luke climbed the dilapidated stairs and she knocked. In a moment, Rafe opened the door. “Come in.”
They stepped inside and stood by the front door. Mrs. Cantera hurried down the hallway, tying a robe. Her hair was mussed, and she had black circles around sunken eyes. “Miss Whitfield. Rafe said you wanted to see me? What has he done now?”
“Nothing,” Rayanne lied, just as she’d promised. “This is Luke Greer, a friend.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” She pointed to her couch. “Sit, please.”
They perched on a sagging sofa. Mrs. Cantera sat across from them on a recliner. “Rafe, please get tea for our guests.”
“None for me,” Rayanne said. “We just ate lunch.”
Luke waved a hand. “I’m good.”
Mrs. Cantera nodded. “I would like some, Rafe.”
He disappeared into the kitchen and she smiled at them. “I’m sorry I don’t have cookies, or other treats to offer, but since I’ve been working nights I’m too tired to bake like I used to.”
“You’re working at night?” Rayanne asked.
“I am,” she admitted. “I work overnights at a hotel in Telluride.”
“I hadn’t heard,” Rayanne said. “I’m sorry.”
“I hate the schedule,” Bonita said. “And I especially don’t like Rafe being alone when I’m at work. The last time he got in trouble, the judge said if he was caught again he would go to juvenile detention. But, I have to feed us.”
Rayanne and Luke shared a look. No wonder Rafe didn’t want his mother knowing his activities.
“That’s why we’re here, actually.” Rayanne waited until Rafe handed his mother her drink. “Luke, and another man, Cody Utah, are opening a bull riding school and they would like to offer Rafe a spot during spring break.”
“I can’t afford something like that.” Bonita shook her head. “And even if I could, I can’t get him there. I’m going to have to ride the bus to work if Leo can’t fix my car.”
“He’s being offered a full scholarship, which includes room and board,” Luke said. “Miss Whitfield can vouch for my character. Justin Ellis’ mother could also speak up on our behalf.”
Bonita looked between them, chewing her bottom lip. “Why would you do this for us?”
“Because we think it might do him some good.” Rayanne hoped she was getting through to Bonita. “Participate in something positive, instead of looking for trouble.”
“I can’t provide boots or a hat,” Bonita said. “Since my husband left, money is tight.”
Rafe flinched and stared at his feet.
“I’ll provide those things,” Luke said.
Rayanne glanced at him. Why was he being so generous to a boy he didn’t even know? Was he always so benevolent? Or was it Bonita’s willingness to share about her life that made him open his heart and wallet?
Bonita looked at her son. “Do you want to do this?”
He bobbed his head once. “Yeah. But you need me—”
She frowned at him and focused on Rayanne again. “There is no fee?”
“No,” Rayanne said again. “Luke is offering a full scholarship.”
“If you think it will be good for Rafe, then I agree he should do it.” Bonita looked at her son again. “You call every night and check in with me.”
“Who will look after things, Mama?” He suddenly sounded like the good kid Rayanne remembered.
“Leo will,” she said firmly. “I want you to take this opportunity, son.”
“Thank you,” he said softly.
Luke handed her a sheaf of papers. “These are releases. You’re required to sign them, please.”
Bonita read them and scribbled her signature across the bottom. “Go get your things, Rafe.”
He slipped down the hall and out of sight.
“Thank you, “Bonita said. “Maybe this will help to take the sting out of his father’s abandonment...”
“I’m sorry,” Rayanne said.
“Thank you.” Bonita wiped her eyes. “He just up and left one day. Said he didn’t love us anymore. I’m one thing, but to leave his son…”
“We’ll take good care of him, ma’am,” Luke said gruffly. “Have some fun while we’re at it, too.”
Rayanne’s tight throat wouldn’t allow her to speak, so she just nodded.
CHAPTER FOUR
To Rayanne’s surprise, Luke didn’t drop her off at Laney’s. Instead, he asked if she’d like to ride along with him and Rafe to buy boots. Trying not to seem too eager, she nodded. “That might be fun.”
He grinned. “A good time’s where you find it.”
His humor was infectious and her lips turned up in response. “True.”
Even Rafe laughed a time or two at Luke’s jokes as they drove to the western store on Main Street. Luke parked, and they walked in together.
A pretty woman greeted them. “Can I help you find something?”
“This young man needs jeans, a belt and boots,” Luke said.
“I can help with that.” She smiled at Rafe and he blushed. “Follow me.”
They trailed after her to the back of the room where rows of cowboy boots were stacked. The girl glanced at Rafe’s worn-out tennis shoes. “What size?”
He shuffled his feet. “Eleven.”
While he tried on boots, Rayanne moved away to check out the ladies’ selection. A pair of western boots with pink roses on the top part caught her eye. She trailed a finger along the intricate design.
“Would you like to try them on?” the clerk asked.
“What?” Rayanne shook her head. “No.”
“Go ahead,” Luke urged. “I bet they’ll look real good on you.”
She opened her mouth to protest, then shut it. Why not? It wasn’t like she had anything to lose if she did. “Okay, size eight, please.”
After the clerk found her size, Rayanne tugged on the boots. Walking to the full-length mirror at the end of the room aisle, she stuck out one foot to admire the boot. With her Bermuda shorts, she looked ridiculous, but she loved how the footwear fit and felt. “These are nice.”
“They look real sharp,” Luke said.
Rafe looked up from his own boots. “They do, Miss Whitfield.”
“I don’t need them for anything.�
�� Rayanne kept staring in the mirror. “And I don’t have an outfit to wear them with.” Or anywhere to wear them to.
“How about this?” The salesgirl held a pale pink dress in her hands.
Usually Rayanne would recoil from pink, but the color was muted, soft, and she fell in love with the fitted waist and flared skirt. Made to seem a bit old-fashioned, the dress was modern with a sweetheart neckline and tiny pearl buttons. She touched it and the fabric slipped between her fingers, soft as butter.
“I don’t need it—”
“You’re a teacher, right?” the salesclerk asked. At Rayanne’s nod, she said, “School function, maybe?”
“I guess I could wear it to the teachers’ tea we have every fall.” Rayanne couldn’t stop touching the dress.
“Try it on with the boots,” the girl urged. “I bet you’re going to love them together.”
That was what she was afraid of. With a small smile, she took the dress and went into a dressing room. In a matter of minutes, she had on the dress. With a deep breath, she looked in the mirror. The outfit looked like it had been made for her. Her red hair didn’t clash with the pink, instead made her cheeks rosy. The bodice fit snug, the nipped waist accentuated her hourglass figure and the full, ankle-length skirt felt feminine. She usually hated buying clothes. They all seemed to be made for five-foot-ten-inchers who wore a size two.
She glanced at the price tag and gasped. More than she’d expected. By a lot. The boots were no doubt pricey, too. She couldn’t justify the cost. As she continued to admire herself in the mirror, she fell more in love by the second. Rarely did she splurge on herself. She had a large savings account, and a 401K because of it.
“I’m going to do it,” she said aloud. Mind made up, she slipped into her own clothes and carried the dress and boots to the salesgirl. She refused to weigh how Luke had urged her to try on the boots influenced her decision. “I love these. I’ll take them.”
The girl beamed. “Wonderful.”
Rafe had also chosen and moved to the jean wall. Rayanne joined Luke. “Finding some pants?”
“Yeah, Rafe’s are too short,” Luke said. “Get your dress?”
Cowboy Six Pack Page 51
