A Valentine for the Cowboy

by Rebecca Winters

Eli had to bite his tongue. Asa and every other man in Stevensville.

  “He came to see me in the stock pen after the rodeo and told me about this gorgeous babe he met when he went to buy some new shirts. How did you meet her?”

  “At the gem shop. Mom was showing her some stones. I went up there to get Libby. Listen, Toly—it’s good to hear from you and congratulations on another first last Saturday night, but I’ve got to hit the hay because I’m ready to pass out. I’ll call you tomorrow and we’ll talk.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that and you know why.” They clicked off.

  Yup. Eli was afraid he did.

  The Clayton family had been worried about Eli for a long time. He knew Toly was shocked to hear another woman’s name pass through his lips besides Tessa’s. There’d been a huge change in Eli’s life.

  While he stood there in a daze, the phone rang again. This time he checked the caller ID before clicking on. “Brianna? Are you home?”

  “I promised I’d call. I’m in the house. How’s Libby?”

  Libby who? For a moment Eli’s mind had been in a different place. “She’s still asleep and sounding better.”

  “Oh, that makes me so happy! Now you go to bed or you’ll end up in the hospital.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Her chuckle was the last sound he heard before she hung up. That chuckle invaded his body and accompanied him to the twin bed in Libby’s room, where he collapsed as soon as his head touched the pillow.

  Chapter Six

  On Saturday after store hours, Brianna tried on the Wrangler two-piece suit in formfitting denim that had just come in. With a white scooped-neck top underneath, the outfit seemed perfect. She wrote up the invoice and paid cash for it using the discount her uncle gave her. Since coming to Montana, she hadn’t bought anything new for herself and thought it was time.

  Her uncle figured out why after he saw her walk into the living room Sunday evening carrying her coat. Her aunt was in the kitchen fixing their dinner. “Where are you going?”

  “To dinner with Eli Clayton.”

  An odd expression broke out on his face, reminding her of her dad when he was pondering something serious. “Somehow I didn’t expect Eli to come out the winner of the Clayton brothers. So it was Eli all along, not Roce.”

  “I—I didn’t intend to see him again,” she stammered, “but Lindsay told me his little girl was in the hospital with croup, so I went to visit her.”

  “And now he wants to thank you.”

  “Yes.” She wasn’t ready to talk about it yet.

  “I take it she’s better now.” He cocked his head. “Are you sure about going with him? From what I understand, he’s the complicated one.”

  Complicated?

  “Clark,” her aunt called out. She’d just walked into the living room with Taffy at her heels. “What a question to ask. Dinner’s ready. Come in the dining room and let Brianna do her own thing. That suit looks terrific on you, by the way.”

  Her aunt Joanne gave her a hug before reaching for her husband’s hand. The gorgeous pink sapphire on her finger flashed in the lamplight, reminding Brianna of the first time she’d met Eli.

  Not thirty seconds later the doorbell rang. Brianna put on her coat and hurried to the foyer, thinking about what her uncle had just said. When she opened the door, Eli’s striking blue eyes swept down the length of her, making her heart ricochet all over the place.

  “Thanks for being ready on time. I couldn’t have waited any longer.” The things he said gave her a fluttery feeling in her chest. Eli wore a tan jacket and cream shirt with beige pants. Today he was clean shaven and smelled wonderful. He walked her out to the truck. When he helped her get in, she noticed he’d left his overcoat on the backseat.

  “How’s Libby?”

  “If you’d seen her toddling around the ranch house a little while ago, you would never know she’d been so sick. There’s only been one problem.”

  She dared a look at him.

  “Every so often she says ‘Bree’ to me. Libby keeps looking for you.”

  “She does?” Eli shouldn’t have told her that.

  “Surely you’re not surprised.” He started the engine and they left. “I hope you like Italian food. The Italian owner cooks the food himself. I’ve never been to Italy, but I don’t see how the food would taste any better there.”

  “That sounds good to me.” Last week she hadn’t thought she’d be seeing Eli again. Now here she was going out to eat with him. She shouldn’t be this elated, but she couldn’t help it.

  Before long they reached the small restaurant and were shown to a table. “You look stunning,” he murmured after removing her coat.

  So did he. “Thank you.”

  They were fed one delicious course after another. While they chatted about their work and sipped coffee, he said, “Thanks to what you said, my trip to Thompson Falls accomplished two things.”

  The sudden change of topic caused her pulse to race. She stared at him. “What do you mean?”

  “You told me not to stop trying to win my wife back. I took your advice and drove down to Thompson Falls with Libby to see Tessa again. After a year I was curious to find out what would happen when Tessa saw us again. But the woman who answered the door looked through me as if I weren’t there. As for Libby, Tessa had no desire to hold her. I promised she’d never see me again.”

  Brianna groaned. “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. She was a stranger to me and has been for a long time, but I didn’t want to admit that our marriage was one of those that didn’t make it. That was the reason why I wore my ring as long as I did.”

  “I do understand, Eli.”

  “Then you’re one woman in a million.”

  She shook her head. “Hardly.”

  “The important thing here is that I know in my soul it wasn’t anyone’s fault. The doctor can’t give me the exact reason for her illness, but it wasn’t something preventable.”

  “Of course not,” she whispered.

  “I returned home a new man and planned to call you Sunday evening, but by then Libby was so sick that I was preoccupied. I’d like to thank your friend for telling you she was in the hospital. It meant the world to me and Libby that you came.”

  Brianna drank the rest of her coffee. This was the time for honesty. “It meant a lot to me, too.”

  He leaned forward. “I hope by now you understand that I’ve asked you to dinner because I want to start over again with you. Let’s not have any secrets or concerns that aren’t out in the open. If there’s something you need to tell me that would hold you back from being with me, I want to hear it.”

  She cleared her throat, shaken by his earnestness. “Well, I’m not involved with another man, as I told you at the restaurant.”

  One brow lifted. “Not even Asa Harding?”

  “Mr. Harding?”

  His eyes danced. “Toly told me Asa has a crush on you.”

  “That’s news to me. He’s been in the store a couple of times, that’s all.”

  “All it takes is seeing you once... Take it from a cowboy who knows.”

  Heat filled her cheeks. “He asked me to go a movie with him, but I told him I was busy that night.”

  “Were you?” he asked.

  “No.”

  “The poor dude.”

  Brianna smiled. “He’s nice, but—”

  “But the spark wasn’t there?”

  She lowered her eyes. “Can we change the subject?”

  “Gladly. I want to know your future plans.”

  So did she, but everything was a blur right now. “They’re in flux.”

  “In other words they could change at any minute.”

  Brianna raised her head.
“Maybe not that fast.”

  His eyes narrowed on her face. She saw no mirth in them. “In case you were wondering, my plans are fixed. Ranching’s my life and the Sapphire Mountains are my home. If you have any intention of going back to California or getting a job somewhere else right away, I need to know so I won’t be blindsided when it happens.”

  “Eli—”

  “Eli, what?” he demanded. “You know what I’m saying.”

  She took a shaky breath. “I’m very happy living with my aunt and uncle.”

  “Until...”

  He was driving her crazy. “Until, I don’t know!”

  Eli broke into laughter. “That answer will do for now. Tell me something. Does your uncle ever give you part of a day off?”

  “If I ask, he tells me to take whatever time I need.”

  “That’s a great boss. Could you plan for this coming Tuesday? Say two o’clock when I’m done with my ranching chores?”

  “What do you have in mind?”

  “Have you ever gone skiing?”

  “Only when I’m here in winter. I have a pair of skis and boots at my aunt and uncle’s. I’ve gone twice so far since I’ve been here.”

  “Terrific. I thought we’d go skiing at the Snowbowl outside Missoula. We ought to be able to get in a few hours and then have dinner. Sarah will be there for Libby so we won’t have to worry if we get back late.”

  Skiing with Eli sounded wonderful. Doing anything with him sounded like Heaven. “I’d love to go skiing.”

  “Good. Then it’s settled. Come on. I’ll drive you home. Though I’d love to spend the entire evening with you, I want to be able to say good-night to Libby. Mom is watching her, but she’s been a little needy since her hospital stay.”

  “I can understand that. She’s lucky to have such a devoted father. Let’s go.”

  Brianna decided he was a breed apart from most men. She still found it incredible that his ex-wife’s condition was too severe for her to want a life with him. But tonight Eli had made it clear Tessa was a part of the past. At this point Brianna would have to operate on faith that she wasn’t making a mistake by continuing to see him.

  Eli saw her to the door.

  “Thank you for a fantastic dinner.” In the dim porch light she glimpsed banked fires in his eyes, but he still didn’t try to kiss her. She wanted him to. Badly. So much for her deciding to take things slowly. You’re a mess, Brianna.

  He squeezed her arm. “See you on Tuesday afternoon. I can’t promise I’ll survive until then.”

  She laughed quietly but entered the house breathless. Much as she wanted to go straight to her room, she stopped by the den first where her aunt and uncle were watching television. Taffy limped over so she could rub her head.

  “Hi! I’m home.” Anticipating the next question, she said, “I had a wonderful time. Eli asked me to go skiing with him on Tuesday.”

  “That sounds fun,” her aunt commented.

  “I think so, too. Uncle Clark, would it be all right if I take off work at two?”

  “Of course.”

  For once her uncle was unusually quiet, but maybe he was just too caught up in the movie they were watching to ask any more questions.

  “Great. Well, I’m going to bed. See you in the morning.”

  “Good night, honey.”

  She went to her room not at all sure how she’d make it to Tuesday afternoon.

  * * *

  “SARAH? I’M BACK!”

  After inspecting the cattle with Wymon and the stock workers, Eli hurried into the house at one o’clock on Tuesday to shower and change. He’d been living for today.

  “Libby and I are building a castle!”

  He found them in the nursery on the floor. “Dada!” Libby had blocks in both hands that she lifted to show him.

  Eli hunkered down next to his daughter. “Well, look at you.” He kissed the top of her head.

  Sarah smiled. “She loves building things.”

  “Maybe I’ve got myself an engineer.”

  While Libby was busy building stuff, he got ready for his date and loaded his ski equipment into the back of the truck. Figuring it would be easier if Libby didn’t know he was going, he left the house to pick up Brianna without saying good-bye. Sarah knew he’d be home late.

  The best thing he’d done in a year was hire a nanny. He should have done it long before now, but he hadn’t wanted to go into debt. Eli had worked hard to save money and now a new sense of freedom filled his being as he drove into town and pulled up in the Frosts’ driveway.

  The sight of Brianna in her black ski jacket and form-fitting ski pants nearly knocked him back on his behind. Her womanly shape filled his vision to the exclusion of all else.

  “Bring your cowboy hat. You’re going to need it later,” he said.

  “That’s sounds interesting.”

  After she fetched it, he carried her ski equipment to the truck while she climbed inside the cab. Then they drove away. He put her hat in the backseat by his. Eli shot her a penetrating glance. “I feel eighteen again.”

  “Is that good or bad?” she teased.

  “What do you think?”

  “Was that a happy time for you?”

  It seemed an odd question, or maybe not. “Let’s put it this way. At that age I came to appreciate a fine-looking woman. But I can tell you right now there was no one like you around.”

  “I don’t believe it.”

  “Just ask any of the guys who’ve been coming in and out of the saddlery nonstop since you arrived in Stevensville.”

  “You’re very good on a woman’s ego. But when you see what a klutz I am on the slopes, you’ll have to reassess your thinking.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Did I tell you I was once a bull rider, not a skier?”

  “I’ll reserve judgment until we call an ambulance for you.”

  “No, thank you. One hospital visit this month for any reason is enough.”

  She laughed gently. “I agree. How is Libby now?”

  “Perfect. I left her constructing a castle out of blocks with Sarah.”

  “I’ve noticed she has an incredible attention span for her age.”

  He darted another glance at her. “I’ve noticed she’s crazy about you. If you can prevail on your uncle to let you off work this coming Saturday, I want you to come to the house for part of the day. Libby will be ecstatic. I’ll do the cooking and we’ll roast marshmallows in the fireplace.”

  Eli knew he was getting ahead of himself, but being with Brianna felt so right, he couldn’t stop thinking and planning. He was waiting for her answer.

  “I’ll arrange to do a split shift with him and leave after lunch. Mornings are the busiest time on Saturdays. He’ll get a few customers in the afternoon, but we usually close up early.”

  “Then it’s settled.” Eli reached over and grasped her hand for a few minutes.

  The sky stayed overcast with more snow forecast to fall by evening. He’d buy them half-day passes and hopefully they’d get some skiing in before that happened. “If I ever had to go into another profession, I’d like it to be photography. I’d take pictures of Montana in winter,” he mused.

  “Everything does look like a Christmas card. It’s so beautiful here.”

  “Don’t you miss California, though?”

  She was looking out the side window. “I haven’t allowed myself to think much about it. At first I was in denial over my parents’ deaths.”

  “And now?” he whispered.

  “I miss them like crazy, but I’ve finally accepted that they’re gone and life goes on. When I talk to my brother now, he accuses me of having forgotten him. That could never happen, of course.”

  “Has he been to visit your aunt
and uncle since you came?”

  “No. They’ve begged him. If you knew my brother, you’d realize he’s such a responsible person that he’s afraid to leave the farm, even for a short period of time. In some ways he reminds me of you and how dedicated you are. I’ve noticed how you keep watch over everything down at the ranch along with your brothers. He, too, has farm workers he’s responsible for.”

  Her compliments warmed him. “You must miss him a lot.”

  “I do, but my aunt and uncle fill a big void. Clark and Dad are so much alike. As for Doug, he has his wife, Carol, so we’re all doing better.”

  Yes, we are. I know I am.

  They reached the crowded ski resort and got in line for the double chair lift. When they reached the top, Brianna turned to him. “I’m a slow skier. If you want to go ahead, please don’t let me stop you.”

  He shook his head. “I want to ski with you, so you set the pace. Are you ready?”

  “Yes. But you’ll be sorry.” She lowered her goggles and started down the slope. He stayed near her side until they reached the bottom. “Forgive me for being so slow, Eli.”

  “Please don’t apologize. You have excellent technique.”

  “Thank you. I love being out in nature with you. Let’s go up again.”

  Halfway to the top, a cold wind kicked up. She smiled nervously at him. “I think the storm front is moving in faster than predicted.”

  “I agree. We’ll make another run and see what happens.”

  After they’d made two more descents without incident, it started to snow. He saw that Brianna was anxious. “You ready to head into Missoula for dinner?”

  She nodded, her relief obvious. When they reached the truck, he opened the passenger door for her. “Let me help you.”

  Needing to touch her, he grasped her around the waist. As her body brushed against his, a wave of desire spread through him. It was so strong that he pulled her close and her head fell back. The moment was magical. With the snow coming down, all he could see were her jewel-like blue eyes and sculpted mouth, a temptation he could no longer resist.

  “I’ve been wanting to do this since the first time we met,” he whispered fiercely before covering her mouth with his own. Her luscious warmth, combined with the cold air and snow, increased his desire. He forgot where they were as he deepened their kiss. She clung to him, causing his heart to race. In that instant he knew she wanted him just as badly and they kissed each other close to senselessness.