Cowboy Reality Romance: Jaxon

by Erica Penrod

  “Ok,” Janie said. “Race, I don’t think you’ll want to be in here for this.”

  Race felt his cheeks turn bright red. “Oh, no, I don’t.”

  He hustled out of the room like his pants were on fire. When he sat down in the waiting area, he looked up and saw the woman at the desk watching him again. He lifted his hand and waved. Sorry, I’m not Jaxon Davis, he thought. She smiled in return and went back to her crossword puzzle.

  What was he doing? He was acting like a flustered teenager instead of a grown man with a law degree. Apparently, this having babies business wasn’t for the faint of heart.

  Two hours later, Race helped Janie into the house. After her contractions died down and she wasn’t dilated, they let her go home. Her instructions were to take it easy for a couple of days, but to come right back if the pain started again.

  “I’ll go get changed and come lay on the couch,” she said. “Gus will want to go outside.”

  “Okay. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of everything. Just relax.”

  “Easier said than done, but I’ll try.”

  “Listen here,” he said, escorting her towards the bedroom. “There’s no trying about it. You’re going to get some rest, and if you’re not good, I’ll call Brynna to come join you on the couch as a babysitter.”

  “Then I definitely wouldn’t relax, but point taken.”

  Janie disappeared into the bedroom, and Race let the dog out. He put some fresh water in the dog’s bowl and opened the fridge to see what he could come up with for dinner. After a quick inventory check, he decided on grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, a meal his mother always made whenever someone wasn’t feeling well.

  Janie grabbed a blanket from the back of the couch and started surfing through the channels. “What do you want to watch?” she asked.

  “It doesn’t matter to me,” he said, as the sandwiches toasted in the frying pan. The soup was in the microwave with only a minute left on the timer. “Do you have a tray I can put this on for you?”

  “Yeah, it’s in the bottom cupboard on your right.” He found her obsession for organization extremely attractive. Everything had its place, and he hoped she’d find the perfect spot for him in her life. He never left a towel on the floor or his shaving kit on the counter; he needed a chance to show her he was her perfect fit. He would always be there.

  “Okay, I see it,” he said, as he bent over and grabbed it. He took two bowls from the top cupboard and carefully retrieved the soup from the microwave with hot-pink oven mitts on his hands. He took the frying pan off the burner and served the sandwiches on a plate. “What do you want to drink?” he asked.

  “A glass of milk would be great.”

  With a loaded tray, Race gingerly walked into the living room and placed the tray on her lap.

  “Wow, thanks.” Janie steadied the tray. “This looks great.”

  “It’s not much, but it should do for now.”

  “Are you kidding? My mom used to make these for me all the time when I was a kid.” She stirred the soup with her spoon before she dunked her grilled cheese. “This is the perfect comfort meal.” She took a bite and grinned.

  After they ate and decided on a movie, Race settled down on the couch beside her. She rested her head on his shoulder, and before long she was sound asleep. He finished the movie, but was still hesitant to wake her. As the credits rolled, she began to stir.

  “Sorry,” she said. “I didn’t even last a half hour.” She yawned and stretched.

  “That’s okay. I imagine your body is a little worn out, you know, growing a tiny human and all.”

  Janie laughed. “You’re the best.” Her voice softened. “Seriously, I don’t know what I would’ve done without you today.” Reaching up, she brushed his cheek with her fingers.

  Race didn’t move, scared of his reaction to her touch. Her eyes were a deep blue, and the intensity reminded him of the ocean at night. She moved in closer and he watched her full lips part as he leaned into her kiss. Sirens went off in his head and his heart as their lips touched.

  It was like kissing his sister.

  Chapter 16

  Miley was losing him. After all the time and money she’d invested, he wanted to walk away. It was a gamble, tipping the tabloids, and usually it worked in her best interest, but this time she may have taken it too far. Jaxon Davis was slipping through her fingers, and she was running out of time to convince him to sign on for another season of The Cowboys. He was a fan favorite. His perfect mixture of macho attitude and charisma packed in a short but well-built body, not to mention he rode wild horses for a living, would be hard to replace by the next season. At the last minute, she called together a cast and crew pool party in LA to get footage for a few commercials to boost the ratings of the second season. If all went well, she’d get a verbal agreement to have the contracts drawn up for the third.

  Kip Morgan was a long shot for another season. He was rumored to have a new girlfriend, but Miley had Austyn Macoy in her arsenal, and the Texas beauty was more than willing to put in the extra time converting Kip to the idea. She’d already spent time in Park City wooing Kip, and Miley was waiting for an update any minute. In the meantime, Tayson Cole was splashing in the pool with a bikini model. He didn’t need any persuasion; he was addicted to the celebrity high. That left Jaxon Davis, and it was up to her to keep her bronc rider in the saddle.

  Miley’s hopes soared when she saw Jaxon surrounded by a flock of women with a big smile on his face. It was working. He needed a reminder of the things this life could offer. It was foolish on her part to think that with the ex-wife was out of the picture he’d be easy to control, but too much time out on the rodeo circuit without her influence had cost her. It didn’t matter now. She had him in her sights, and he would be hers for the taking.

  The crew got some great shots, and the party was a success in that aspect, but Miley didn’t dare leave it at that. A suggestion to Tayson about moving the party to a hot new club downtown shot another arrow in her quiver of tactics to keep Jaxon in LA for as long as possible.

  “Be sure to invite Kip and Jaxon. There’s no reason the party needs to end here,” she told Tayson.

  A couple strawberry daiquiris, and Miley was feeling good. Music played through the speakers, and she danced along. Things were going as planned, until she saw Jaxon leave the pool area with determination in his steps. A sinking feeling filled her, and she knew by the look on his face he was about to ride off into the sunset, leaving her without a contract—and that wouldn’t look good on her director’s résumé.

  * * *

  “I’m so sorry.” Janie pulled back from the kiss. The look on Race’s face made her feel like a bigger idiot than she already did. “I don’t know why I did that.” She put her face in her hands for a few seconds and then looked up at him. “My emotions are all over the place.”

  Finally, Race smiled, and then he started to laugh.

  Janie felt confused. “What’s so funny?”

  “I’m glad you did that,” he said.

  “You are?”

  “Yes. I’ve been so worried I was falling in love with you, and now I know I do love you, but not in the way I thought.” He looked so relived it felt like an insult.

  “Was the kiss that bad?” she asked.

  “Yes,” he said, grinning. “But that’s good. Don’t be offended, but it was like kissing my sister.”

  “None taken, I think.” Janie sat up and shook her head. “I think I’m losing it. Can you forget I ever did that?”

  “Forget it? I don’t think that’s possible.” He pulled her to him with an ease that hadn’t been there before. “But it will be our little secret.”

  “I’ve been missing Jaxon so much, I can’t sleep. Of course, that may have something to do with this ginormous belly.” She rubbed her hands over her basketball-sized stomach. “I thought I could love him on my own and not need anything in return, but it’s killing me. Or least making me crazy,” she
said, and smiled. “And you’re so sweet, and you look so—”

  She stopped herself.

  “I look so much like Jaxon,” he finished her sentence. He stroked her hair. “You don’t need to feel bad about that. I’ve known you love him all along.”

  “Yeah, but that’s terribly unfair to you. I don’t just care about you because you look like Jaxon. You’ve been my family when I needed you.”

  “How about we label our relationship?” he said, and his dark eyes were bright and happy.

  “Yes,” she said. “Let’s do, and I can change our Facebook status.”

  He looked at her, and she stared right back.

  “Siblings!” they said at the same time, and fell back onto the couch laughing hysterically.

  * * *

  Jaxon had every intention of seeing Janie as soon as he got back into town, but his father called, and he turned around. Kyle couldn’t get the tractor started and he couldn’t get hold of Layne to help him and the cattle needed to be fed. Jaxon didn’t want his dad trying to haul several bales of hay by hand, so he decided he would get to Janie after he got things fixed at the ranch. But one thing led to another, and a couple hours passed. Then a herd of cows got out, and he chased them into the pasture, which meant there had to be a break in the fence, which meant he had to find it, which meant he had to fix it. He’d been out in the north field checking the fence line when he got Brynna’s text. Baby’s coming!

  By the time he got back to the house, his dad was already gone. He ran in and showered in eight seconds. An altercation with a pile of manure had left him stinking, and that wasn’t the way to meet his nephew for the first time. He quickly dressed and doused himself in cologne before he jumped in the truck and flew down the road.

  Jaxon’s tires squealed as he took the corner and raced into the hospital parking lot. He had a death grip on the steering wheel, and his stomach was tied in knots. Tiny beads of perspiration dotted his forehead as he parked the truck. He lifted his hat to wipe away the sweat and felt his hair curling from the moisture as he placed the hat back on his head. This wasn’t how he saw this going in his mind.

  Running through the automatic doors, he asked the front desk which way to labor and delivery as he passed by. Thwarted by the closed elevator doors, he tapped the button a few times and looked down to see his boots covered in muck. He looked over his shoulder and saw the trail he’d left behind him. He tapped the button again, with more urgency, before someone noticed he was the dirty floor culprit.

  The doors opened and he stepped in. The ride to the third floor took an eternity, and when it stopped, he hustled down the hall and asked which room his sister was in. Room 313 was to the right, and he paused before he knocked.

  Janie opened the door, and his heart almost tore a hole through his chest. He hadn’t seen her for a few months, and all the words he planned to say escaped his mind.

  “Hi,” she said, and he could tell she was as nervous around him as he was with her. “You’re just in time.” She stepped back and let him through. His father and Layne stood on either side of the bed, and Brynna sat in the bed with a small bundle in her arms.

  “Come meet your nephew,” she said, and pulled the blanket away from the baby’s face.

  Jaxon went to the bed and looked at the chubbiest cheeks he’d ever seen. The rest of the little guy was swaddled beneath the blanket.

  “Look at this,” Brynna said, as she lifted the beanie, and a mess of deep auburn hair covered his head.

  “Wow. I guess we know who he belongs to,” Jaxon said.

  “Of course,” Layne said. “He’s my boy.”

  “I thought you’d still be in labor when I got here. Isn’t it supposed to take a while?” Jaxon asked.

  “Apparently not for Brynna,” Layne said. “I thought I was going to have to pull over and deliver the baby in the car.”

  Jaxon’s head spun as he thought about that possibility. He glanced over at Janie, who sat in the corner. Her face was fuller, and she had dark circles under her eyes; she hadn’t been sleeping, and that worried him. He couldn’t believe how the baby had grown since he’d last seen her, and it made a dull ache in the back of his mind when he thought about all he’d missed.

  “Let me hold my grandson,” Kyle said, reaching for the baby.

  “Here,” Janie said, scooting herself to the edge of the seat. “You can have my chair.” Jaxon reached out and helped her up. Just then, he heard a gushing sound and looked down at the floor.

  Janie’s eyes widened. “I think my water broke.”

  “Good thing I wore my mucking boots.”

  Chapter 17

  Jaxon waited for Race to answer the phone. It still seemed strange to talk to his brother, even though it had been over a week since he called Race to tell him Janie had the baby, and they talked for over an hour. Jaxon confided in his brother and apologized for his past behavior, asking Race to forgive him, which he did immediately.

  “I’m sorry I can’t be there,” Race said.

  “Me too. I know the girls are anxious for you to meet your nephew and niece,” Jaxon said.

  “I’ll try to get out there next week. I should have a break before the next trial.”

  “That would be good,” Jaxon said, as he stared at his daughter in his arms. He couldn’t believe she was already nine days old. Thankfully she looked like her mother, except for the color of her hair; the Davis red streak must be one tough gene.

  Janie was asleep in the bedroom after a long night of changing diapers and crying (both her and the baby).

  “How are things going with you and Janie?” Race asked.

  “Well, let’s just say the baby was a white flag, and there seems to be a silent treaty for now.” The baby squirmed, and he rocked her gently. “I’ve been staying in the guest room, so I’d say that’s progress. Last time I stayed, she made me take the couch.”

  “Man up, would you? You’ve done what you needed to do, and it’s time you told her.”

  Jaxon watched his baby girl as she slept. He couldn’t believe how much he already loved her. His thoughts drifted to the woman who had given him this extraordinary gift. “That’s easy for you to say. Have you ever been around a woman who’s just given birth?”

  Race laughed. “Can’t say that I have.”

  “I can’t tell if she’s happy or sad; she cries at everything.”

  “I’ve heard that’s normal,” Race said. “But Jaxon, you need to make things right.”

  “But what if it’s not enough? I know I can’t go back and change anything, and I know I’ve left some permanent scars.”

  “She’ll forgive you. Janie loves you.”

  “I know that,” Jaxon said. “And that’s what makes this even worse. You know that old saying about not knowing what you had until you lost it?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Well, I’ve always known what I had, and I gambled with it. Her love could never be replaced, and I’ve known that all along. So what does that make me?”

  “An idiot,” Race said.

  “Thanks.”

  “You asked. But the good news is that Janie’s smart enough for the both of you, and she’s strong enough to get past it if you show her you’ll be there every step of the way.”

  The tiny pink bundle started to fuss.

  “Sounds like I better let you go,” Race said.

  “I guess so.”

  “All right, see you in a week or so. Jaxon?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Don’t wait. Tell Janie today.”

  “Yeah, I will,” Jaxon said. “Thanks for the advice, big brother.”

  * * *

  No one told her about this part. Janie sat up in bed, and her body felt like it was leaking from every place possible. If she had the energy, she’d chuck those pregnancy books at the wall. How could she be so happy and so miserable at the same time? Tears blurred her vision at the thought of it.

  She thought she saw the bedroom door crack open,
and then Jaxon peeked his head in and saw that she was awake. Baby Kylie, named after her grandpa, let out a cry.

  “I think she’s hungry,” Jaxon said. “But I didn’t want to wake you.” He looked up and saw her eyes pooling. “Are you okay?”

  Nodding her head, she started to sob. “I’m so tired, and my body is a mess, but look at that little angel,” she said, in between sniffles.

  “It’s going to be okay.” He sat down beside her and placed the baby on her lap. Kylie quickly drifted back to sleep. He wrapped his arm around Janie, pulling her close as he kissed the top of her head.

  “I wouldn’t get too close if I were you. I can’t remember when I last showered.”

  “Last night,” he said.

  “The days are blurring together. I don’t know how to do this,” she said.

  Jaxon lifted her chin, and she searched his dark eyes for the answers. “We’ll figure it out together.”

  “Jaxon, I—”

  He interrupted her. “I don’t know if this is the right time or not, but I don’t want to waste another minute without you.”

  Her body tensed as she thought about where this was going and what they’d been through. She didn’t want to open herself up for more heartache. She was weak, and she couldn’t trust herself, because all she wanted to do was hold on to him forever.

  “I’ve been waiting. I wanted to do this right. I wanted to prove to you that I’m all in, if you’ll have me.”

  Janie bit her lip, trying to hold back the swell of emotion.

  “First, I told the producers and Miley that I wasn’t signing on for a third season.”

  “You’re done with the show?” she asked. Her heart thumped, cautioning her to remember all his empty promises in the past. “I thought that was a done deal. What happened?”

  Jaxon smiled. “Quade. I introduced Miley to our good friend, and of course she was smitten with him. When she found out he was an equestrian veterinarian, it was a done deal.”