Phoenix

by Linda Warren

  “Dad-dy.”

  Jake wedged himself between them, wrapping his arms around Phoenix’s legs. Reluctantly Phoenix pulled away and looked down at his son.

  “Beer, Dad-dy.”

  It gave Rosie time to gain control, and she stepped away, straightening her blouse. She had to stop. He was a Rebel, so wrong for her. “I think you’d better take him home.”

  “Rosie.”

  She held up a hand. “No. You really need to go, and we really need to stop what we’re doing. I mean it. We’re getting involved too fast. Too deep. We need some time apart, and I need time to get my head straight.”

  “Ah, Rosie.”

  “Phoenix, please.”

  He picked up Jake. “This isn’t over, Rosie, and we both know it.” He walked over to the table and grabbed Jake’s boots and the diaper bag. “I know you’re scared, and I’ll give you some space for now.” He said to Jake, “Tell Rosie goodbye.”

  Jake leaned over to kiss her, and she kissed his cheek. “Goodbye, Jake.” In doing so she was very close to Phoenix, and she got a whiff of his masculine scent. Her resolve weakened. Before she could pull away, Phoenix kissed the side of her face and rested his cheek against hers. His stubble brushed against her skin and she was lost.

  “I know you have doubts about this relationship, but I will never hurt you.”

  “Phoenix.”

  He walked out the door and closed it. She stood there feeling lonelier than she had in a long time. Dixie barked and she reached down to pick her up, holding her just to steady her own nerves. The trailer became quiet. So quiet it made her jumpy. All the fun, all the energy, all the happiness of the day had gone, and she was left alone to deal with her lonely life.

  A tear slipped from her eyes. She curled up in her chair, cuddling Dixie and wondering how she’d gotten so emotionally involved in such a short amount of time. So much so she’d told Phoenix everything about herself. Almost. She hadn’t told him the deepest wound inside her.

  And she never would.

  Chapter Nine

  When Phoenix made it to the ranch, Jake was sound asleep in his car seat. It had been so hard for Phoenix to leave Rosie, but he knew she was right. They were getting involved too fast, and he had to think about Jake and what was best for him. But man, it hurt to leave her.

  He sat in his truck for a while, resisting the urge to go back and talk to her. There was just something so sad about her in the dark in that trailer all alone. He’d never dreamed her life had been so horrific and her father had traded her like a prized horse. She deserved better than that. She deserved better than living in that trailer.

  Kissing her was like the taste of springwater after a drought—fresh and soothing, and his thirst for her was insatiable. He just wanted to go on kissing her until there was no one but the two of them in the world. And that was probably the most romantic thing he’d ever thought in his whole life.

  He’d often wondered how one fell in love, and he’d felt sure it would never happen to him. But Rosie’s blue eyes hypnotized him. He liked her. He wanted to spend all his time with her just to see her smile. Just to see her happy. Most of his life he’d been only concerned about himself and the rodeo. It was a big eye-opener to have all these feelings for a woman he barely knew. Maybe it was the father thing bringing out the best in him. Or maybe it was just Rosie.

  Pax was half-asleep on the sofa and Rico was reclining in his chair, watching TV. A big box sat in the middle of the den—Jake’s things from Colorado had arrived. Jake was sound asleep on his shoulder, and he put him to bed.

  After laying him in the crib, Phoenix stared at his son for a moment. He never knew he could love someone this much, but that little boy had opened up Phoenix’s heart to a whole new world of feelings. He leaned over and kissed Jake’s cheek.

  “Love you, son. Good night.” He covered him up and left the room.

  In the den, Pax sat up and stretched. “That box came for you.”

  “It’s Jake’s stuff. I’ll go through it later.”

  “Where are you going to put all of it? We’re limited on room, Phoenix.”

  “I’ll put it in my room, Pax. Don’t worry about it.”

  Rico got up and headed for his room. “See you guys in the morning.” Rico wasn’t hanging around for a brothers’ quarrel. At the door, he turned. “If you need to, you can store stuff in my room. I only need a place to sleep.”

  “Thank you, Rico.” Phoenix looked at Paxton. “That’s what family is all about.”

  “C’mon, Phoenix.”

  Phoenix didn’t stay to listen to Pax. He was tired and would probably say things he’d regret, so he took a quick shower and went to bed. Thoughts of Rosie in the trailer plagued him. She needed a home with a big bathroom so she could bathe anytime she wanted.

  As he drifted off to sleep, Rosie was there with her long red hair flowing down her back, and she was smiling at him. That was all the comfort he needed to shut out the night.

  *

  THE NEXT MORNING when Phoenix woke, Jake was still asleep in his crib. He was tired from all the playing yesterday. Phoenix pulled on his jeans and went to fix breakfast. Paxton was sitting at the table, drinking coffee.

  Phoenix grabbed orange juice from the refrigerator and then filled a cup with coffee. Leaning against the cabinet, he stared at the brother he spent most of his time with.

  “Okay.” Paxton threw up his hands. “I was a jerk last night. You can put some stuff in my room, too.”

  Phoenix took a sip of his coffee. “What is it with you? Why are you so testy about Jake?”

  Pax leaned back in his chair, his brownish-blond hair falling in his eyes. “We’ve stayed focused and worked hard this year. Now your focus is somewhere else, and I’m worried about Vegas.”

  “I’ve had a slight detour, that’s all. My focus is still on the rodeo, but my heart is with my son, and I’m doing everything I can to make sure he has a good life.”

  “We have a rodeo in Stephenville tomorrow. What are you going to do with Jake?”

  “Take him with me.”

  Paxton frowned. “Are you serious? What are you going to do with him at a rodeo?”

  “It’s something I’ll have to work out.”

  Pax leaned forward, a gleam in his eyes. “Here’s a thought. Mom is dying to keep him, so why not let her? That way your focus will be completely on the rodeo.”

  “I can’t leave Jake this soon.”

  “I’ve heard kids are very flexible. He may cry for a little bit, but then he’ll settle down and get attached to Mom.”

  “Jake stays with me. I’m not passing him off like a football. I’m not shirking my responsibility.”

  Paxton stood, and Phoenix realized his brother was still in his underwear. “Then I’m going to kick your ass in Vegas.”

  “Oh yeah. Just try. And try wearing clothes when you come into the kitchen. I have a son in the house.”

  Pax shook his head. “I don’t even know you anymore.”

  “Not again,” Rico muttered, coming into the kitchen.

  A loud cry took words right out of Phoenix’s mouth, and he ran to the bedroom. Jake was standing in his crib, crying his little heart out.

  “Hey, buddy. Everything’s okay. Daddy’s here.”

  “Dad-dy.” Jake held out his arms, tears rolling down his cheeks.

  Phoenix lifted him out of the baby bed and laid him on the big bed. He changed his diaper quickly without even holding his breath, carried him into the kitchen and put him in his high chair.

  “Beer, Dad-dy.”

  Phoenix placed the sippy cup on the tray of the chair, and Jake grabbed it.

  “I can’t wait till Mom hears that,” Paxton said from the doorway, fully dressed.

  “Are you trying to get on my bad side this morning?”

  Paxton didn’t answer. He walked over to Jake. “Hey, Jake.”

  Jake held up the sippy cup. “Beer.”

  Paxton shook his head. “He�
��s a cute little thing, isn’t he?”

  “He grows on you,” Phoenix replied.

  “Yeah. You’re really good with him.”

  “And that surprises you?”

  “Yeah. And I’m not saying that to be mean. I’m trying to come to grips with this, too.”

  “Breakfast,” Rico said from the stove. “Round three can wait till later.”

  After breakfast, Jericho and Paxton got ready to leave for the day.

  “I’ve set up an appointment for Jake to see a pediatrician, but I’ll try to catch y’all later.”

  Paxton placed his hat on his head. “Good.”

  The morning was spent at the doctor’s office, where Phoenix and Jake got acquainted with the pediatrician who would be taking care of Jake. Phoenix had Jake’s medical file from Mrs. Green and everything went smoothly. Jake was a healthy little boy. Phoenix was glad to hear that.

  When they got back to the house, Phoenix unpacked the box. Jake was excited and danced around the box as he recognized his things, pulling out toys and stuffed animals. Phoenix knelt on the floor and watched the happiness on his son’s face. It was clear in his bright brown eyes that his possessions made a world of difference. Something familiar. Something Jake could identify with. He pulled out some DVDs and giggled. He ran to the DVD player and tried to push one in, case and all.

  “Hey, Daddy will do that.” Phoenix opened the case, inserted the disc and turned on the TV. SpongeBob SquarePants popped onto the screen. Jake sat in front of the TV, mesmerized. Everything else was forgotten. Phoenix managed to get most of the stuff put up in his room. The toys he left in the den because he knew Jake would want to play with them.

  After Jake’s nap, Phoenix dressed him in his boots and jeans, and they headed for the barn to saddle up and join the family working on the ranch. Jake sat in front of him, his eyes as big as saucers as he gripped the saddle horn.

  “Horse.”

  As they rode, Phoenix enjoyed being back in the saddle. He was a cowboy to his soul. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves that still clung to the tall oaks. Soon they would fall to the ground in a bed of oranges and browns. The fresh air was like nothing on earth, clean and invigorating, and it filled his lungs. He took a well-used trail, crossed a creek and rode on.

  “Wa-wa.”

  “Yes, that’s a creek. Yaupon Creek.”

  A jackrabbit jumped out in front of them.

  “Bunny,” Jake said.

  Dust billowed in the distance, signaling they’d reached the roundup site. The bellowing of calves and cows followed, as did the stench of manure.

  “Cow.”

  As they rode closer, he could see his mom and Grandpa standing under an oak. A blanket lay on the ground with a picnic basket. His mother usually brought lunch during roundup when they were far away from the house.

  “Oh, I’m so glad you brought him.” His mother held out her arms and Jake went to her.

  “I’m going to help for a while.”

  “You go ahead.” Grandpa waved him away. “We’ll take care of this little whippersnapper.”

  Phoenix dismounted, crawled into the portable pens with his brothers and helped tag, vaccinate and castrate calves. He could taste dust in his mouth and the bellowing of cows was deafening in his ears, but he continued his work. Above the bellows, he heard a wail and glanced up to see Jake running for the pen with his mother behind him. Horses were lined up along the fence, and Jake was headed right for them.

  “Oh, man.” He jumped over the fence and started to run, his chaps flapping around his legs as he intercepted Jake before he reached the horses. He swung the boy up into his arms. Tears ran down Jake’s cheeks and loud wails erupted from his chest.

  “Dad-dy. Dad-dy. Dad-dy.”

  Phoenix patted Jake’s back. “It’s okay. Daddy’s here.” He’d been right. It was too soon for Jake to be separated from him.

  “I’m taking him back to the house!” he shouted to his brothers.

  “Go ahead!” Falcon shouted back.

  “I got you covered,” Elias said.

  “I’ll do his part,” Paxton piped up.

  “And who’ll do yours?”

  “Shut up, Elias.”

  And all was well with the Rebel brothers.

  “I’m so sorry, son.” His mother finally reached them. “He just got away from us.”

  “He’s known for that, Mom. Don’t worry about it.”

  “You take care of your son and don’t worry about the ranch. There’s plenty of us to do that.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  He mounted up. Jake refused to sit facing the saddle horn. He buried his face in Phoenix’s chest and clung to him like a leech. He stayed in that position all the way to the ranch, and Phoenix had to make him sit on a bale of hay so he could unsaddle the horse.

  Back at the bunkhouse, Jake still clung to him. Phoenix didn’t understand what had upset him so much. Maybe it was the strange environment and the fact that he couldn’t see his father. Phoenix held him a little tighter, wanting to reassure him. Jake’s heart beat against Phoenix’s in perfect time. As he felt that little thudding, he realized just how much he loved this little boy. He would do anything for him. His son had suddenly become his whole life.

  After that thought, his mind turned to last night and Rosie’s heart beating against his in perfect harmony. His belt buckle had pressed into her flesh almost like a brand, and he felt a connection like he’d never felt before. He loved her.

  It took a moment for the truth of that to sink in. From the moment she’d rounded his truck with her blue eyes blazing like a Colt .45, they’d made a connection. It didn’t matter what her name was. It mattered only that they loved each other.

  He wasn’t sure how she felt, but he was making inroads into her resolve to stay away from a Rebel. He would give her time. But not too long.

  “Beer, Dad-dy.”

  Phoenix lifted Jake’s chin so he could look into his eyes. “Milk.”

  “Beer.”

  Phoenix had a feeling he wasn’t going to win this battle. He went into the kitchen to fill the sippy cup.

  With SpongeBob SquarePants on the TV and Jake in front of it, the stress of the afternoon faded away. Soon Jake was running around the room, playing with his toys, and Phoenix breathed a sigh of relief. He pulled his phone out of his back pocket and laid it on the counter. He wanted to call Rosie and tell her about his afternoon. But he’d promised and he wasn’t going back on his word. He wondered if she missed him as much as he missed her. His life had taken a one-hundred-eighty-degree turn in the past few days and he wasn’t complaining. He rather liked the change.

  *

  THE NEXT MORNING they left for a rodeo in Stephenville, Texas. Phoenix had to pack a lot of stuff for Jake, so they were late getting away. The backseat of the truck was packed with kid stuff and diapers. He wanted to make sure he had enough diapers to last the weekend. They said goodbye to the family, and off they went to another rodeo. This time it was a little different. They had an extra passenger.

  The drive was uneventful. Once they reached Stephenville, Paxton went to check them in and get their numbers while Phoenix took care of Jake.

  He met Cole Bryant and Dakota Janaway, two bull riders, and talked for a few minutes about rodeo. He introduced Jake, and Jake shied away and buried his head in Phoenix’s shoulder. Bored with the talk, Jake wanted down.

  “Stay right here,” he told him.

  “This is a new Phoenix,” Cole joked. “I don’t think I know him.”

  “Let me tell you, it’s a job taking care of a child.”

  “Cowboys usually have wives to take on the role,” Dakota said.

  “Yeah.” Phoenix looked down and Jake wasn’t there. “Where did he go that fast? Jake? Help me look. He has to be here somewhere.” The cowboys spread out and started to look for the boy.

  “Jake!” Phoenix ran through cowboys and cowgirls milling around, looking and looking, but Jake was nowhere to be fou
nd. His heart pounded like a steam engine and he felt sure smoke was coming out of his ears in frustration. Where was his kid? He turned and let out a long breath. A beautiful redhead strolled toward him with Jake in her arms.

  Rosie.

  “Are you missing someone?” Her blue eyes were bright and sparkled with merriment. Had it been only a day since he’d seen her? He was starved for her presence.

  “Yes, a lot.” His eyes never wavered from hers, and they both knew he wasn’t talking about Jake.

  “Dad-dy.”

  Phoenix turned his attention to his son. “I’m upset with you. You’re not supposed to run from Daddy.”

  Jake’s bottom lip trembled at the sternness of Phoenix’s words.

  “Phoenix,” Rosie said softly, and the fear in him subsided. “He must’ve seen me in the crowd and came running. He didn’t know he was doing anything wrong.”

  Jake held out his arms and Phoenix took him. “You scared Daddy.”

  “Ro-sie.” Jake pointed.

  Phoenix knew there was no use trying to discipline Jake. He was too young to understand, but he would have to start discipline sometime soon. Just not today.

  “You’re looking good.” His eyes traveled over her tight Wranglers that clung to every curve. A turquoise ribbon held back her long hair, and she was probably wearing that color when she rode tonight. It made her blue eyes stand out.

  “Phoenix.” A throaty whisper echoed in her voice.

  “What?”

  “You’re so obvious. I don’t know why I’m attracted to you.”

  “I know why. You’re hot and I’m horny.”

  She laughed, a bubbly sound that seemed to surprise her. “We’ll discuss that later.”

  Reaching out, she caressed Jake’s cheek. There was so much meaning in the word later, it took a moment for him to recover.

  “What are you going to do with Jake when you ride?”

  “Paxton and I are going to trade off taking care of him.”